Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Permafrost is permanently frozen soil, typically found in polar regions.
Related terms
Tundra: This is a type of biome where the tree growth is hindered by low temperatures and short growing seasons. It's like the 'neighborhood' where permafrost 'lives'.
Thawing Permafrost: This refers to when warming temperatures cause permafrost to melt, often releasing trapped gases like methane into the atmosphere.
Cryosphere: This term encompasses all places on Earth where water is in its solid form, including ice caps, glaciers, and permafrost.