In Praise of the Great Canadian Pothole

Few realize it but Canada is the world’s leading producer of naturally occurring potholes. Our ferocious winters provide the perfect habitat. Potholes take root when water expands as it freezes and snow and rain seep into porous roads.

As the ice expands, the asphalt puckers up and the weight from automobiles driving over it breaks apart the surface. When it melts, the gaps created by the ice collapse. This process gradually tears the asphalt apart until finally, in spring, potholes appear fully grown.