ObjectiveSoil physical crusting is a common obstructive phenomenon on exposed surfaces, it can lead to shrinkage cracks as the soil dries, thus directly affecting soil moisture retention and utilization. This study aimed to clarify the development patterns of cracks in physical crusts.MethodsArtificial rainfall was employed to simulate the formation of different types of physical crusts, followed by crack formation during the drying process. Parameters such as crack area, perimeter, length, and width were measured using a paraffin filling method, the geometric characteristics and spatial variations of cracks in depositional crusts (DC) and structural crusts (SC) under different conditions were quantitatively analyzed.ResultsCracks in depositional crusts (DC) exhibited significantly higher geometric parameters compared to those in structural crusts (SC). With increasing rainfall duration, the crack shape coefficient and density decreased, while the average crack width increased. Three types of lateral shrinkage cracks were identified, including penetrating shrinkage (PS), interlocking shrinkage (IS), and suspended shrinkage (SS). As rainfall duration increased, the proportion of PS increased, while IS and SS proportions decreased. As soil depth increased, cracks in depositional crusts displayed a stepped decrease and a brief increase under different rainfall durations, while cracks in structural crusts showed an initial sharp decrease followed by a gradual decline.ConclusionThe type of crust and rainfall duration are crucial factors influencing crack development. This study highlights the impact of crusting on crack formation, suggesting timely field management practices to modify water infiltration and evaporation, and can provide a technical support for effective field management.