* Types of glacial environments 2

What are periglacial environments?

Places where the temperature is frequently or constantly below freezing, but not covered by ice.

What is the climate like in periglacial areas?

They are cold and precipitation is fairly low - 380mm a year or less (mainly in summer).

Are clearly defined seasons (brief, mild summers and long, cold winters).

What is soil like in periglacial areas?

Soil is thin, acidic and not very fertile.

There is normally a permafrost layer, topped with a layer of soil that melts in the summer.

What is vegetation like in periglacial areas?

Plants grow very slowly and don't grow very tall - grasses are the most common plants.

Some small, short trees grow in warmer, sheltered areas. Nearer the poles only moss and lichens survive.

What are alpine environments?

Cold areas of land at an altitude above the treeline (the limit of the area where trees can grow - above this it's too cold)

What may alpine environments include?

Areas of glacial conditions (at higher altitudes) and periglacial conditions (at lower altitudes).

What is the climate like in alpine environments?

Winters are cold, but summers can be mild.

Temperature decreases as altitude increases. Snowfall can be high.

What are soils like in alpine environments?

When ice melts in summer, soil is exposed in some areas.

Higher up, land is permanently covered by snow and ice, and lower down periglacial soils are present.

What is vegetation like in alpine environments?

Seasonally exposed soil means that plants can grow e.g. grasses and alpine flowers.

How can the arctic polar environment be defined?

Either by the arctic circle (66’N) or by the 10’c July isothern (areas north of this line have an average temperature below 10’c in July, the hottest month).

How can the polar environment in the south pole be defined?

Defined by the 10’'c January isotherm (hottest month in southern hemisphere).

Where are periglacial environments found?

• High latitudes e.g. Northern parts of Asia, North America and Europe.

• High altitudes - periglacial conditions exist around ice masses in mountain ranges.

Where can alpine environments be found?

At high altitudes and at any latitude.

Where can glacial environments be found?

In polar and alpine settings.