Freeze-thaw cycles are a natural phenomenon that occur when water freezes and thaws repeatedly in the environment. This process can have significant impacts on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of various materials, such as soils, rocks, and infrastructure. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause mechanical stress, leading to cracking and weathering of materials, and can also affect water infiltration and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Researchers study freeze-thaw cycles to better understand their effects on natural and built environments and to develop strategies for mitigating their potential negative impacts.