Patterned Ground Formation

Question 1

Part 1

Answer 1

• Patterned ground is the collective term for a number of fairly small-scale features of periglacial environments.
  We have seen that as a result of frost-heave, large stones eventually reach the surface and that the ground surface is domed.
• The stones then move radially, under gravity, down each domed surface to form a network of stone polygons (Figure 2.28), typically 1-2 m in diameter, A particularly distinctive example of patterned ground can be seen in the area around Barrow in Alaska, On slope angles of 3-50%, the larger stones move greater distances downslope and the polygons become elongated into stone garlands. On slopes of 60° and over, the polygons lose their shape and stone stripes develop.