Christchurch’s liquefaction (infographic)

One of the interesting aspects of the earthquake’s impact on Christchurch has been the phenomenon of liquefaction, where soil and sand is compacted and water is forced to the surface.

There have been many reports of sand volcanoes, water fountains and severe cracking of the ground – all the result of soil liquefaction. ECAN has released this useful graphic which shows the liquefaction potential in the Christchurch region

How does liquefaction happen?