Periglacial features and processes: permafrost, active layer and mass movement
Periglacial environments are cold areas at the edge of glaciers where the ground stays permanently frozen. In summer, only the top layer thaws, and this causes the ground to move slowly downhill.
Real World
In Siberia, thawing permafrost has caused buildings in Yakutsk to tilt and collapse as the active layer deepens — a real-world consequence of climate change destabilising the frozen ground foundations.
Exam Focus
Define permafrost precisely (frozen for at least two consecutive years) before explaining active layer processes — this prevents mark loss on definition questions.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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