Periglacial processes

Question 1

The processes that occur in periglacial climates are highly dependant on what?

Answer 1

The processes that occur in periglacial climates are highly dependant on cycles of freezing and thawing, which give rise to a very distinctive geomorphology.

Question 2

What are the dominant periglacial processes associated with?

Answer 2

The dominant periglacial processes are associated with permafrost and the thawing and movement of the active layer.

Question 3

State some of the periglacial processes?

Answer 3

• The contraction and cracking of rapidly freezing soils
• The migration of surface water to the ‘freezing front’
• The mass movement of the active layer downslope

Question 4

Give some processes which are also responsible for the formation of periglacial landforms but are not confined to periglacial environments?

Answer 4

• Frost shattering
• Fluvial action
• The action of wind

Question 5

Give some processes that are unique to periglacial environments?

Answer 5

• The development of thermal contraction cracks
• The formation of permafrost and frost heave