Liquefaction

For other uses, see Liquefaction (disambiguation).

This article is about the physical process of turning something into a liquid. For liquidation, see Liquidation (disambiguation).

In physics, to liquefy (sometimes spelled liquify) means to turn something into the liquid state.

In Geology

By undermining the foundations and basecourses of infrastructure, liquefaction, seen here during the 2011 Canterbury earthquake, can cause serious damage.

In geology, liquefaction refers to the process by which saturated, unconsolidated sediments are transformed into a substance that acts like a liquid.

Earthquakes can cause soil liquefaction where loosely packed, water-logged sediments come loose from the intense shaking of the earthquake.

The term liquifaction is commonly misapplied to the displaced, saturated sediment as opposed to the process by which it was formed.

In other sciences

In physics, chemistry, and genetic engineering

Liquefaction is referred to as liquefaction of gases, the process of condensing a gas into a liquid. Liquefaction can be a change from a gas to a liquid through condensation, usually by cooling, or a change from a solid to a liquid through melting, usually by heating or by grinding and blending with another liquid to induce dissolution.

In the energy industry

Both liquefaction and occasionally liquefication refer to reforming coal or gas into a liquid form that is economical to transport and use as fuel. When using biomass the process is usually specified as Biomass to liquid.

In economics

Liquefy can be used as a synonym for liquidate, to turn hard assets into cash.

In biology

Liquefaction often involves organic tissue turning into a more liquid state. For example, liquefactive necrosis in pathology, or liquefaction as a parameter in semen analysis.