congeliturbation

(geology) The churning and stirring of soil as a result of repeated cycles of freezing and thawing; includes frost heaving and surface subsidence during thaws. Also known as cryoturbation; frost churning; frost stirring; geliturbation.

In a periglacial landscape, the heaving, thrusting, and cracking of the ground by frost action. The formation of patterned ground and the initiation of solifluction are common results of congeliturbation.