The physics of frost heave and ice-lens growth

Abstract

The formation of rhythmic lenses of ice in freezing soils is an intriguing geophysical phenomenon that is not fully understood, despite much experimental and theoretical work over the past century. We review proposed mathematical models of ice lens growth and frost heave, from early capillary theories and models based on the concept of a frozen fringe, to more recent advances that have revitalised the capillary model. In addition we identify several key experimental and theoretical challenges that are still to be resolved.