How does dry permafrost differ from ice-rich permafrost?

In the study of permafrost, the primary distinction between dry and ice-rich permafrost lies in the presence and quantity of frozen water within the ground.1

• Dry Permafrost: This refers to perennially frozen ground that contains no water and, consequently, no ice. Because it lacks ice, this type of permafrost is not firmly cemented.1
• Ice-Rich Permafrost: Most permafrost is consolidated by ice, which acts as a binding agent for the soil. The ice content can vary significantly, with some types of ground ice—such as segregated (Taber) ice—representing up to 75 percent of the ground volume in certain areas. Other forms of ground ice include pore ice, foliated (wedge) ice, pingo ice, and buried ice.12

While permafrost is defined exclusively by its temperature—remaining at or below 0 °C (32 °F) for at least two consecutive years—the amount of ice present significantly influences the physical properties of the ground, including its stability and how it responds to climatic fluctuations.13