Frost line: Difference between revisions
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{{Other uses}} |
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{{Distinguish2|the geographical feature [[Snow line]]}} |
{{Distinguish2|the geographical feature [[Snow line]]}} |
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The '''frost line'''—also known as '''frost depth''' or '''freezing depth'''—is most commonly the depth to which the [[groundwater]] in [[soil]] is expected to freeze. The frost depth depends on the [[climate|climatic conditions]] of an area, the [[heat transfer]] properties of the soil and adjacent materials, and on nearby heat sources. For example, [[snow cover]] and [[asphalt]] [[thermal insulation|insulate]] the ground and homes can heat the ground (see also ''[[heat island]]''). The line varies by latitude, it is deeper closer to the poles. It ranges in the United States from about |
The '''frost line'''—also known as '''frost depth''' or '''freezing depth'''—is most commonly the depth to which the [[groundwater]] in [[soil]] is expected to freeze. The frost depth depends on the [[climate|climatic conditions]] of an area, the [[heat transfer]] properties of the soil and adjacent materials, and on nearby heat sources. For example, [[snow cover]] and [[asphalt]] [[thermal insulation|insulate]] the ground and homes can heat the ground (see also ''[[heat island]]''). The line varies by latitude, it is deeper closer to the poles. It ranges in the United States from about zero to six feet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/freezefrost/frostfreemaps.html |title=Frost line |format= |work= |accessdate=2011-10-12}}</ref> Below that depth the temperature varies, but is always above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. |
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Alternatively, in [[Arctic]] and [[Antarctic]] locations the freezing depth is so deep that it becomes year-round [[permafrost]], and the term "[[thaw depth]]" is used instead. Finally, in tropical regions, frost line may refer to the vertical geographic [[elevation]] below which [[frost]] does not occur.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreedictionary.com/frost+line |title=Frost line |format= |work= Dictionary.com |accessdate=2008-06-11}}</ref> |
Alternatively, in [[Arctic]] and [[Antarctic]] locations the freezing depth is so deep that it becomes year-round [[permafrost]], and the term "[[thaw depth]]" is used instead. Finally, in tropical regions, frost line may refer to the vertical geographic [[elevation]] below which [[frost]] does not occur.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreedictionary.com/frost+line |title=Frost line |format= |work= Dictionary.com |accessdate=2008-06-11}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 17:10, 12 October 2011
Template:Distinguish2 The frost line—also known as frost depth or freezing depth—is most commonly the depth to which the groundwater in soil is expected to freeze. The frost depth depends on the climatic conditions of an area, the heat transfer properties of the soil and adjacent materials, and on nearby heat sources. For example, snow cover and asphalt insulate the ground and homes can heat the ground (see also heat island). The line varies by latitude, it is deeper closer to the poles. It ranges in the United States from about zero to six feet.[1] Below that depth the temperature varies, but is always above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Alternatively, in Arctic and Antarctic locations the freezing depth is so deep that it becomes year-round permafrost, and the term "thaw depth" is used instead. Finally, in tropical regions, frost line may refer to the vertical geographic elevation below which frost does not occur.[2]
Frost front refers to the varying position of the frost line during seasonal periods of freezing and thawing.
Building codes
Building codes sometimes take frost depth into account because of frost heaving which can damage buildings by moving their foundations. Foundations are normally built below the frost depth for this reason. Water pipes are normally buried below the frost line, or insulated to prevent them from freezing.
There are many ways to predict frost depth including factors which relate air temperature to soil temperature.
Sample frost lines for various locations
References
- ^ "Frost line". Retrieved 2011-10-12.
- ^ "Frost line". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 2008-06-11.
- ^ a b "Frost Depth: Minnesota State Building Code Rules 1303.1600" (PDF) (2007 ed.). Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. 2007-03-09. Retrieved 2010-01-04.
- ^ a b "The 2007 Minnesota State Building Code" (PDF). Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. 2007-10-09. Retrieved 2010-01-04.
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