7. Periglacial Processes - Intro

Question 1

Describe Periglacial areas.

Answer 1

Periglacial areas are those which, although not actually glaciated, are exposed to very cold conditions with intense frost action and the development of permanently frozen ground or permafrost. At present, areas such as the tundra of northern Russia, Alaska and northern Canada, together with high mountainous areas such as the Alps, experience a periglacial climate. In the past, however, as ice sheets and glaciers spread, many areas which are now temperate were subject to such conditions.

The climate of periglacial regions is marked by persistently low temperatures. Summers are short but temperatures can sometimes reach above 15°C. In winter, the temperature remains well below zero and in some areas may fall below -50°C at times.