Liquefaction

Liquefaction is when solid ground start to act like a liquid during an earthquake.

Bloomin' (Jack Bog's Blog) 2009

Liquefaction happens when soil loses its strength because of an applied stress—such as an earthquake—and has been especially prevalent in Christchurch since Tuesday.

Experts Question Building Safety in Christchurch Geoffrey Rogow 2011

At least three small-scale demonstration projects that rely on locally developed indirect technology have been developed in China, including one by Shanxi-based Lu'an Group and one by Inner Mongolia Yitai Coal Liquefaction Co.

Doubt Cast on $5 Billion China-Sasol Deal David Winning 2011

Liquefaction of some soils in the area caused large apartment buildings to tip over on their sides.

Earthquake 2010

Liquefaction: The meal will then be mixed with water and alpha-amylase, and will pass through cookers where the starch is liquefied.

Ethanol 2008

Liquefaction: conversion of soil into a fluidlike mass during an earthquake or other seismic event.

Sound Politics: But he'll try to dig it anyway 2006

Liquefaction is a process that takes place during some geo-political earthquakes that may lead to presidential failure.

Firedoglake » Glossies Turn on Bush 2006

It's a general term for what happens when you stress highly saturated soil: "Liquefaction is a phenomenon in which the strength and stiffness of a soil is reduced by earthquake shaking or other rapid loading."

Your Right Hand Thief 2005

Liquefaction doesn't just happen during earthquakes.

Your Right Hand Thief 2005

Liquefaction is, first, condensation into water; second, the melting of a solidified body.

Meteorology 2002