duricrust (du'-ri-crust). A general term for a hard crust on the surface of, or layer in the upper horizons of, a soil in a semiarid climate. It is formed by the accumulation of soluble minerals deposited by mineral-bearing waters that move upward by capillary action and evaporate during the dry season. See also: ferricrete; silcrete; calcrete; caliche [soil]. Etymol: Latin "durus", "hard", + crust. Cf: hardpan.