What is solifluction?

Solifluction refers to the gradual movement of soil and other material down a slope due to the effects of freeze-thaw cycles, particularly in periglacial environments. This process occurs primarily in areas where the ground is regularly subjected to freezing and thawing, leading to the gradual displacement of saturated soil. As the top layer of soil thaws, it becomes fluid and, influenced by gravity, slowly flows downhill, particularly over a gentler slope. This process is significant in shaping landforms in cold climates and can lead to the formation of features such as solifluction lobes.

The other options do not accurately define solifluction. An ancient hunting technique, a social structure in ancient communities, and a method of cave painting are unrelated to the geological and environmental processes that characterize solifluction. Understanding this concept is crucial for recognizing how geological processes interact with climatic conditions, particularly in contexts relevant to anthropology and the study of human societies in varying environments.