Blockfield (noun):
A blockfield refers to a distinctive geomorphological feature found in cold and mountainous regions, characterized by a vast expanse of angular and unweathered blocks of rock strewn across the surface. These blocks are typically angular and have sharp edges, having been separated from the bedrock due to freeze-thaw weathering processes, frost action, and glacial activity.
The formation of a blockfield is often associated with periglacial environments, which experience repeated freezing and thawing cycles. As water seeps into cracks and joints in the bedrock, it freezes during cold periods, causing expansion and fracturing of the rock. Over time, this leads to the detachment of blocks from the main cliff face or ridgeline. Subsequent movement and transport of these blocks by gravity, ice, and other erosional agents, eventually leads to their accumulation on the slope or valley floor, forming a blockfield.
Blockfields play a significant role in shaping the landscape, as they can hinder the development of vegetation due to the presence of bare rock surfaces and limited soil cover. Additionally, these features often pose challenges for human activities, such as agriculture or construction, due to their rough and unstable nature.
Overall, blockfields are a distinct and visually striking landform, providing evidence of past and ongoing geological processes in cold and mountainous areas.
