Permafrost
Permafrost Lingo
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Permafrost
ground that remains frozen longer than two consecutive years; ground that doesn't thaw in the summer due to the cold climate in which it's found -
Active Layer
in areas with permafrost, the top portion of the soil that melts and refreezes each year -
Ice Wedge
polygon-like pattern of landscape associated with permafrost caused by repeated cycles of melting, freezing and cracking -
Thermokarst
landscape formations associated with permafrost melt -
Slump
a term that refers to the sagging or degradation of the landscape caused by permafrost melt -
Hydrology
the study of the location, movement, and quality of water on earth; heavily influenced by permafrost in arctic systems Erosion
the transport of soil and rock from earth's surface by wind or water; a significant effect of permafrost melt
Permafrost in Alaska's National Parks
Permafrost is permanently frozen ground and underlies much of the landscape in the arctic. If affects nearly everything in the arctic ecosystem, including soils, vegetation, water, and wildlife. During summer months, the top layer of soil thaws creating a wet landscape with rapid runoff. The striking quilt-like pattern of permafrost landscapes is caused by the build-up and thawing of ice in the ground, which produces pits, ponds, and landslides. Annual permafrost melt is normal, but melt is expected to increase with climate change. The National Park Service is monitoring permafrost and the land features associated with permafrost melt to better understand the changes and the effects of increased permafrost melt.
Live Chat with Permafrost Experts
On August 14, 2012, permafrost experts with the National Park Service hosted a virtual open forum and answered questions from the public via Facebook, Twitter, and email. See posts from the live chat on Facebook.
Video Features
National Parks with Permafrost
The following National Park Service units contain areas with permafrost
Permafrost Photos
Additional Resources
- Learn about permafrost monitoring in the Arctic Inventory and Monitoring Network
- Download a resource brief on permaforst monitoring in the Arctic Network
- Download a resource brief on climate change and permafrost
- Report: Monitoring of Retrogressive Thaw Slumps in the Arctic Network, 2011 (2012, PDF download, 10 MB)
- Report: Mapping of Erosion Features Related to Thaw of Permafrost in the Noatak National Preserve, Alaska (2012, PDF download, 5 MB)
- Report: Mapping of Erosion Features Related to Thaw of Permafrost in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, and Kobuk Valley National Park (2010, PDF download, 1 MB)
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