Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

Periglacial landforms are geological features created by intense freeze-thaw activity in cold regions adjacent to glaciers. This process is driven by the unique behavior of water as it freezes, expanding and exerting significant pressure that can fracture rocks.12

Key periglacial landforms include:
* Felsenmeers: Areas blanketed with frost-shattered rock fragments.1
* Talus: Accumulations of angular rock debris at the base of steep slopes, often forming cones.1
* Rock Glaciers: Massive, mobile features composed of rock and ice that move downhill.1
* Patterned Ground: Features like stone rings and nets formed by frost heaving arranging rocks by size.2
* Solifluction Lobes: Folds and drapes of soil on hillsides created by the slow downhill movement of the active layer in permafrost regions.2
* Pingos: Conical mounds formed by the exceptional growth of ice within a confined area in permafrost regions.2

Permafrost itself is ground that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years.3

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.