Physical and Thermal Properties

Abstract

Frozen soil is a four-component system consisting of soil particles, ice, water, and air. The particles (mineral and/or organic matter) come in various sizes and shapes with a thin film of unfrozen water coating most mineral grains. The voids are filled with ice, unfrozen water, and air. Ice may be distributed uniformly throughout the soil mass or it may have accumulated in the form of irregular or stratified ice inclusions. Larger ice masses may form as a result of processes associated with ice wedges and pingos. Frozen soil classification involves identification of the soil phase, adding characteristics associated with the frozen soil, and describing ice found in frozen ground.