Consider the following statements about Mechanical Weathering : 1. More compact and highly consolidated rocks are least affected by freeze-thaw weathering. 2. Shattering of rocks is more common in hot deserts. 3. Crystalline rocks are often prone to exfoliation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Freeze-thaw weathering acts more strongly on well-jointed, porous and consolidated rocks because water penetrates joints, freezes and expands; very compact rocks with no joints are less affected, but well-consolidated jointed rocks ARE significantly affected — statement 1 as worded is incorrect. Hot deserts experience extreme diurnal temperature ranges causing differential expansion and contraction of mineral grains, leading to block disintegration and shattering — statement 2 is correct. Crystalline rocks like granite undergo exfoliation (sheet jointing/unloading) because of pressure release and differential heating of their crystals — statement 3 is correct. Hence only statements 2 and 3 are correct.