periglacial environments Flashcards
1
Q
Periglaciation
Set of processes that happen in areas near to ice sheets
- Alaska or cold mountainous areas
EX Himalayas
A
- Set of processes that happen in areas near to ice sheets
- Alaska or cold mountainous areas, Himalayas
2
Q
What are periglacial areas?
A
- Traditionally ‘at or near ice sheets’
- Periglacial environments are areas with permafrost
- Little seasonal temp variations and geomorphic process (freeze thaw)
3
Q
Where are these areas found?
A
- High latitudes - Alaska, North Canada
- Continental interiors - Siberia
- High mountains at lower altitudes -> plateau of Tibet, Andes & Alps
- 25% of Earths land surface, % declining due to the global warming
- High altitudes close to equator (colder at higher altitudes)
4
Q
Climate of periglacial areas
A
- Annual temperatures less than -6 degrees
- Winter = much lower
- 10-30 days of summer temps above 0 degrees
- Precipitation is very low
- Barely any rain, more snow but still limited
5
Q
structure of periglacial environment
A
active layer
permafrost
talik
6
Q
landforms
A
ice wedges patterned ground blockfields pingos solifluction lobes Terracettes Thermokarst
