frost heave

American  

noun

Geology.

1. an uplift in soil caused by the freezing of internal moisture.

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frost heave British  

noun

1. Also called: frost heaving.  the upthrust and cracking of a ground surface through the freezing and expansion of water underneath

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Etymology

Origin of frost heave

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The land yacht surged and swayed over frost heaves at 65 m.p.h., each bump nudging the seemingly physics-defying craft as it hurtled down the highway.

From New York Times

New Hampshire’s potholes, frost heaves and icy patches offer challenges equal to any bucking bronco or raging bull.

From Washington Post

Her odyssey in late summer, sleeping in frost heaves, learning to approach the wolves on four legs, eating meat they bring her, changed my thinking about what a girl could be.

From Los Angeles Times

He even lifted his tail and head higher than Miyax had ever seen him do, and, acting like the boss wolf, loped up her frost heave.

From Literature

Its coddling suspension mercifully shrugs off frost heaves.

From New York Times