Jäätymissulami

Jäätymissulami is a Finnish term that translates to "thaw freeze" or "freeze-thaw cycle." It refers to the natural process where water within soil, rocks, or other materials repeatedly freezes and then thaws. This cycle is a significant geological and environmental phenomenon.

When water freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on its surroundings. This expansion can cause cracks and breaks in materials like pavement, rocks, and soil. As the temperature rises and the water thaws, it can then seep deeper into these newly formed cracks. Upon refreezing, the process repeats, progressively widening the fissures and leading to significant degradation of materials over time.

In colder climates, the jäätymissulami cycle is a primary driver of erosion and weathering. It contributes to the formation of permafrost features in polar regions and affects road maintenance, as potholes are often a direct result of this process acting on asphalt. It also influences the movement of soil, a process known as cryoturbation, which can lead to the displacement of stones and the mixing of soil layers. The impact of jäätymissulami is also observed in biological contexts, affecting plant roots and the decomposition of organic matter.