Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, soil, etc. by a number of environmental factors (such as water, air, or organisms). There are different types of weathering. The weathering that has resulted in the breakdown of the world famous monument called the Colosseum is physical weathering (also known as mechanical weathering). More specifically, the freeze-thaw cycle has resulted in the weathering of the Colosseum. During cold weather, low temperatures cause water to freeze. Thus, the water that has trickled or deposited into the cracks of the walls freezes into ice. Since ice occupies more volume than liquid water, due to lower density, this freezing expands these cracks. During the day time or warmer weather, this ice thaws and converts to liquid water, which reduces the stress on the cracks. This freeze and thaw cycle repeats a number of times till the rock or wall fragments loosen up and are removed from the main structure.
Apart from physical weathering, natural disasters, plundering, and wars have also caused the disintegration of the Colosseum.
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