permafrost

Examples of permafrost in the following topics:

• Boreal Forests and Arctic Tundra

  • The soils of the Arctic tundra may remain in a perennially frozen state referred to as permafrost.
  • The permafrost makes it impossible for roots to penetrate deep into the soil and slows the decay of organic matter, which inhibits the release of nutrients from organic matter.

• Environmental Problems Associated with Fossil Fuel Use

  • Warming is expected to be strongest in the Arctic and would be associated with the continuing retreat of glaciers, permafrost, and sea ice.