Rochester Researchers Linked Soil Movement to Oobleck
A new mathematical model explains how icy landscape patterns form by comparing them to cornstarch and water.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Geography
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University of Rochester scientists have discovered a mathematical analogy between solifluction, the downhill movement of saturated soil, and the behavior of oobleck. The study identifies how soil heaves and patterns emerge in icy regions like Nome, Alaska.
Why it matters
Traditional fluid physics models previously struggled to explain the formation of complex patterns in freezing landscapes. This research provides a new framework to interpret how water-saturated ground behaves under pressure.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to compare the behavior of water-saturated soil with oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid made of cornstarch and water. The study specifically investigated soil heaving processes that form patterns in freezing landscapes.
The players
Rachel Glade
She is an assistant professor at the University of Rochester who specializes in geological processes.
University of Rochester
It is a private research university located in Rochester, New York, that hosts the laboratory where this study was conducted.
The details
University of Rochester assistant professor Rachel Glade led the research, which explains how icy soil heaves and flows. The findings were published in the journal AGU Advances to address gaps in understanding landscape formation.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: The study was published in the journal AGU Advances.
The Big Picture
This discovery updates the scientific understanding of geomorphology by applying non-Newtonian physics to icy landscapes. By bridging the gap between kitchen-sink experiments and geological field observations, the study provides a new theoretical foundation for modeling permafrost terrain.
This research could improve the precision of climate models that track how thawing permafrost alters northern ecosystems. Enhanced predictive tools may eventually help engineers better design infrastructure in regions prone to soil shifting.
The takeaway
The study demonstrates that simple household mixtures like oobleck can hold the key to unlocking complex geological mysteries. Understanding these physical properties is essential for accurately mapping how landscapes shift in colder climates.
Further reading
Learn more about the study in the Geography section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Enn.
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