hardpan

hard·pan  (härdpn)

n.

1. A layer of hard subsoil or clay. Also called caliche.

2. Hard, unbroken ground.

3. A foundation; bedrock.

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hardpan  (härdpn)

A hard, usually clay-rich layer of soil lying at or just below the ground surface, in which soil particles are cemented together by silica, iron oxide, calcium carbonate, or organic matter that has precipitated from water percolating through the soil. Hardpans do not soften when exposed to water. Also called caliche.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

hardpan - crust or layer of hard subsoil encrusted with calcium-carbonate occurring in arid or semiarid regions caliche dirt, soil - the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock