Active Layer

The active layer refers to the top layer of soil in cold regions, such as tundras, that thaws during the warmer months. Beneath it is permafrost, which remains frozen year-round. The active layer is crucial for plant growth, as it contains nutrients and moisture needed for vegetation. Seasonal thawing and freezing cycles affect ecosystems and can influence climate change by releasing greenhouse gases stored in the permafrost. Understanding the dynamics of the active layer is vital for predicting ecological changes and environmental impacts in polar and subpolar areas.