Which is the phenomenon called when loose, water-saturated sediments behave like a liquid during an earthquake?

Which is the phenomenon called when loose, water-saturated sediments behave like a liquid during an earthquake?

• A. Erosion
• B. Sedimentation
• C. Liquefaction
• D. Compaction

Answer: (C)

During strong ground shaking, loose, water-saturated sediments can temporarily behave like a liquid. This happens because the shaking increases the pore-water pressure between the sediment grains, which reduces the effective stress holding the grains together. With less contact force, the soil loses its strength and stiffness and can flow or deform like a liquid. This is the phenomenon of liquefaction, often seen in saturated sands where buildings may tilt, sink, or foundations lose support, and you can even see sand boils at the surface. Other options describe different processes: erosion is the removal of soil by water, wind, or ice; sedimentation is the deposition of material; and compaction is the squeezing together of grains under load, which makes soil denser and usually stronger rather than turning it into a liquid during an earthquake.

During strong ground shaking, loose, water-saturated sediments can temporarily behave like a liquid. This happens because the shaking increases the pore-water pressure between the sediment grains, which reduces the effective stress holding the grains together. With less contact force, the soil loses its strength and stiffness and can flow or deform like a liquid. This is the phenomenon of liquefaction, often seen in saturated sands where buildings may tilt, sink, or foundations lose support, and you can even see sand boils at the surface.

Other options describe different processes: erosion is the removal of soil by water, wind, or ice; sedimentation is the deposition of material; and compaction is the squeezing together of grains under load, which makes soil denser and usually stronger rather than turning it into a liquid during an earthquake.