solifluction

[ soh-luh-fluhk-shuhn, sol-uh- ]

noun

, Geology.

1. creep ( def 22a ).

solifluction

/ ˈsəʊlɪ-; ˈsɒlɪˌflʌkʃən /

noun

1. slow downhill movement of soil, saturated with meltwater, over a permanently frozen subsoil in tundra regions

Word History and Origins

Origin of solifluction¹

1915–20; < Latin sol ( um ) soil + -i- -i- + fluctiōn- a flowing (stem of fluctiō ), equivalent to fluct ( us ) ( fluctuate ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of solifluction¹

C20: from Latin solum soil + fluctio act of flowing