Definition

The slow movement of soil or other materials down a slope, often occurring in areas where the ground is frozen.

Example

After the heavy rain, solifluction caused the soil to slowly creep down the hillside.

Conversation

Have you heard about solifluction?

No, what is that?

It's the slow movement of soil down a slope, especially in frozen areas.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know soil could move like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Solifluction is formed from "sol" (from Latin *sol*, meaning sun) and "fluere" (meaning to flow). The term describes the process of soil flowing down a slope, often due to melting snow or ice, as if it were flowing under the influence of the sun's warmth.

Memory Tip

Imagine soil 'flowing' ('fluere') down a slope under the warmth of the 'sun' ('sol') — that's how solifluction describes this natural process.

Visually Confused Words