Permafrost

Definition

Permafrost refers to permanently frozen ground consisting of soil, rock, or sediment that remains below 0°C (32°F) for at least two consecutive years. It is found mainly in polar regions but also exists in some high-altitude areas.

Related terms

Thermokarst: Landscapes formed by the thawing of ice-rich permafrost, resulting in uneven terrain and the formation of lakes or depressions.

Methane Hydrates: Solid compounds made up of methane molecules trapped within a lattice-like structure of water molecules. They are found in vast quantities beneath permafrost and ocean sediments.

Cryosphere: The frozen parts of the Earth's surface, including snow, ice caps, glaciers, sea ice, and permafrost.