Definition
caliches
noun
- Plural of caliche; a hard, crusty layer of calcium carbonate or other minerals found in soil, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
Usage: Geological/soil science term; Common in southwestern United States and other dry climates
Examples
- The farmers had to break through thick caliches to dig wells in the desert region.
- Caliches form over thousands of years in areas with low rainfall and high evaporation.
- The construction crew encountered multiple layers of caliches while excavating the foundation.
- Geologists studied the caliches to understand the climate history of the region.
- Plant roots struggle to penetrate the hard caliches found in arid soils.