What does liquefaction in soils typically result in during an earthquake?

Liquefaction in soils occurs when saturated, loose, granular soils lose their strength and stiffness due to the application of stress, such as that produced by seismic shaking during an earthquake. This phenomenon typically leads to a condition where the soil behaves more like a liquid than a solid. When this happens, the soils may expel water and fine particles, resulting in the formation of sand boils and fissures on the surface. These surface expressions indicate the upward movement of saturated sand that has been disturbed by the shaking and has transformed into a fluid-like state, which is a direct consequence of liquefaction.

Understanding why other scenarios do not apply is essential. For example, while the collapse of geological layers can occur in some seismic events, it is not a direct result of liquefaction. Similarly, mud flows are typically associated with saturated clay soils and not sandy soils, which are more prone to liquefaction. Lastly, liquefaction does not increase soil density; rather, it causes a temporary decrease in density as the soil loses its structural integrity. Therefore, the creation of sand boils and fissures is the most accurate description of the effects of liquefaction during an earthquake.