The Thermodynamic Behavior of Ice in Soils

The thermodynamic behavior of ice in soils involves how ice changes with temperature and pressure within the ground. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, water within the soil pores turns into ice, which affects soil strength and stability. As temperatures rise, ice melts into water, increasing moisture content. This phase change influences soil properties, such as stiffness and shrinkage, and can cause ground movement or shifting. Understanding these processes helps in assessing ground stability, especially in cold environments, and is important for construction, agriculture, and environmental management in areas where soil ice is present.