liquefaction
lik-wuh-FAK-shun
/ˌlɪkwɪˈfækʃən/
The process by which saturated, unconsolidated soil or sand is converted into a suspension that behaves like a liquid.
Usually triggered by an earthquake or sudden change in stress, causing the soil to lose all strength.
The story behind the word. A combination of the Latin 'liquere' (to be fluid) and 'facere' (to make). It literally means 'the act of making liquid'. It was adopted by scientists to describe the terrifying moment solid ground starts to flow.
Word relationships
- solidification: The process of becoming hard or solid.
Commonly confused with
- melting: Melting is a phase change due to heat; liquefaction is a mechanical failure due to pressure/vibration.
Word family
- liquefy (verb): To make or become liquid.
Collocations
- soil liquefaction
- seismic liquefaction
- liquefaction potential
Example sentences
- "During the earthquake, soil liquefaction caused several large buildings to tilt and sink into the ground." Earthquake report
- "The presence of loose, water-logged sand makes this coastal area highly susceptible to liquefaction." Geotechnical warning
Memory hook
Liquid + Action. The ground is taking the action of a liquid. Solid ground turns to soup.
When not to use
Don't use it for ice melting into water; that is 'melting'. Liquefaction is a solid-acting material turning into a liquid-acting one.
Fun facts
- In the 1964 Niigata earthquake, buildings didn't break; they simply tipped over perfectly intact because the ground beneath them turned to liquid.
Explore more words
earthquake, upheaval, liquidity, saturation, emulsify, ductility
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