HARDPAN - Definition

Pronunciation:		'hârd`pan
WordNet Dictionary

	Definition:	[n] crust or layer of hard subsoil encrusted with calcium-carbonate occurring in arid or semiarid regions

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	Synonyms:	caliche

	See Also:	dirt, soil

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

	Definition:	\Hard"pan`\, n. The hard substratum. Same as {Hard pan}, under {Hard}, a.

Biology Dictionary

	Definition:	A very dense soil layer caused by compaction or cementation of soil particles by organic matter, silica, sesquioxides (aluminum and iron) or calcium carbonate, for example.