The Periglacial Landscape
- Approximately 25% of the Earth's surface is considered periglacial with a permafrost layer
- Mostly located in the high latitudes, particularly in the polar region of the northern hemisphere
- Distribution is uneven due to differences in landmass between the two hemispheres (northern hemisphere has more landmass)
- Periglacial landscapes can also be found in regions of high elevation - Alpine
- The major process that contributes to the production of a periglacial landscape is freeze-thaw
- This leads to vast plains of permafrost with low-growing, marsh vegetation and exposed rocks
Image showing main features of a typical periglacial landscape
Exam Tip
- It is important to differentiate between glaciated and periglacial landscapes
- Remember that periglacial regions are dominated with permafrost and seasonally changing active layer