In colder climates, physical weathering is more likely to occur. This is because colder climates usually experience a fluctuation in hot and cold temperatures that causes minerals within rocks to expand and contract. This form of weathering is also known as freeze thaw action. It occurs in areas where the temperature fluctuates around zero degrees Celsius for at least part of the year. Water may find its way into cracks and joints in the rock when the temperature rises above freezing.