hardpan

Plural: hardpans

Noun

• A dense, impermeable layer of soil found below the surface.
• crust or layer of hard subsoil encrusted with calcium-carbonate occurring in arid or semiarid regions
• A distinct layer of soil that is largely impervious to water.
• Synonym of dry lake.

Examples

• His opponent’s defensive play created a hardpan, making it impossible to score big.

Synonyms

caliche, dry lake

Related Words

salt pan, saltpan