periglacial environments

Periglacial environments refer to regions near glaciers or polar areas that experience cold temperatures but do not have permanent ice cover. These areas often feature unique landforms like patterned ground, frost heave, and ice wedges resulting from freeze-thaw cycles. Though temperatures can be below freezing, they vary enough to support diverse ecosystems, including tundra vegetation. Key locations include the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, where permafrost—permanently frozen ground—underlies the soil. These environments are sensitive to climate change, which can alter their landscapes and ecosystems significantly.