frostresistance

Frost resistance is the ability of an organism, material, or system to withstand freezing temperatures without sustained damage. In biology, it refers to how living tissues cope with ice formation or dehydration at low temperatures. In built environments, frost resistance describes the durability of materials and structures under freeze-thaw cycling.

Biological frost resistance in plants involves a range of strategies: accumulation of compatible solutes (sugars, proline), production of antifreeze proteins or peptides, ion and water regulation, and changes in cell-wall composition. Some species tolerate extracellular ice formation while keeping intracellular contents unfrozen, while others supercool their tissues to avoid ice formation. Hardened tissues, altered membrane properties, and protective proteins help reduce injury during cold spells. Microorganisms and animals also employ similar concepts, such as osmoprotectants and regulated ice formation, to survive subzero conditions.

In agriculture, frost hardiness is assessed by measures such as LT50 and related techniques; practices to enhance resilience include selecting hardy cultivars, promoting acclimation through gradual exposure to cold, mulching, and careful scheduling of irrigation and harvest to minimize frost exposure.

In materials engineering, frost resistance concerns freeze-thaw damage in concrete, asphalt, and soils. Ice expansion within pore spaces can drive microcracking and structural deterioration; mitigation approaches include air-entraining agents, controlled porosity, improved drainage, and minimizing water absorption and saturation.

Measurement methods include differential scanning calorimetry and electrolyte leakage tests, along with rapid freezing assessments. Climate change may alter frost frequency and severity, changing risk landscapes for crops, infrastructure, and ecosystems. See also frost tolerance, hardiness, and freeze–thaw cycling.