solifluction

 
Pronunciation: /ˌsɒlɪˈflʌkʃ(ə)n, ˌsəʊlɪ-/

noun

[mass noun] Geology
  • the gradual movement of wet soil or other material down a slope, especially where frozen subsoil acts as a barrier to the percolation of water.

Origin:

early 20th century: from Latin solum 'soil' + fluctio(n-) 'flowing', from the verb fluere 'to flow'