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Letter FGeology glossary

Frost Heaving

Frost heaving is the upward movement of soil or rock caused by the freezing and expansion of water in the ground. This process is significant in cold climates and can cause damage to roads, buildings, and other structures. Understanding frost heaving is important in geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, and the study of periglacial environments.

Needle ice formation beneath thawed forest soil (frost heaving)
Fig. 1 Needle ice formation beneath thawed forest soil (frost heaving)

Source Andersland, O. B., & Ladanyi, B. (2004). Frozen Ground Engineering. John Wiley & Sons.

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