Kärlstenos

Kärlstenos is a term used in Scandinavian languages, notably Swedish and Norwegian, to describe the geological phenomenon of a rock or stone that has been split or fractured by the action of frost. The word itself is a compound of "kärl" meaning vessel or pot (referring to a cavity or opening) and "sten" meaning stone, with "os" often indicating a process or action. Thus, "kärlstenos" literally translates to the process of a stone becoming a vessel or cavity through frost.

This process occurs when water seeps into cracks or pores within a rock. As temperatures drop below freezing, this water expands, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock. Over repeated freeze-thaw cycles, this pressure can widen existing cracks or create new ones, eventually leading to the disintegration or fragmentation of the rock. Kärlstenos is a significant factor in natural weathering and erosion, particularly in regions with cold climates. It contributes to the breakdown of rock formations, the creation of scree slopes, and the shaping of landscapes over geological time. The visual evidence of kärlstenos can range from small, hairline fractures to large, deeply split boulders.