Chapter 8
Freezing Potential Measurements in Soils
Publication: Electrical Phenomena During Freezing of Water and Soils
Abstract
Reports on the observations of freezing potentials in soils and rocks were meager and inconclusive. As early as 1958, Jumikis had reported measurements of freezing potentials of 40 to 120 mV in Dunellen Clay (a glacial till) and suggested enhanced moisture transport under such potentials. Korkina studied the freezing potentials in clay suspensions containing microparticles, saturated with ion. Korkina's results showed that at low concentrations, the potentials were ice positive (as observed in pure water). At higher densities, the potentials were reversed, with ice attaining negative charges. In sandy soils, where redistribution of moisture is not noticeable, EFP arises by redistribution of ions at the phase boundary, creating a zone of excess positive charges that prevent migration of moisture to the freezing front.
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References
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Published online: Feb 8, 2023
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