altitudinal zonation of permafrost
Link: http://w3id.org/permafrost/v/ipaglossary/t0018
Within: IPA Permafrost Glossary
Definition: The vertical subdivision of an area of mountain permafrost into permafrost zones, based on the proportion of the ground that is perennially cryotic.
| Term |
altitudinal zonation of permafrost
en
|
|---|---|
| Comment |
As mean annual temperatures decrease with increasing elevation, mountain permafrost can normally be expected to be more extensive, thicker and colder at higher elevations, although exposure and the extent of vegetation and snow cover will moderate this effect. A noteable exception is found in the southwestern portion of Yukon, where (1) the high St. Elias Mountains block the circulation of moist and warm maritime air from the Pacific Ocean, particularly in winter, and (2) the deeply dissected nature of the terrain promotes cold-air drainage and ponding in the valleys. As a result, permafrost is more extensive, thicker and colder in valley bottoms than at higher elevations.
en
|
| dcterms:source |
https://doi.org/10.4224/20386561
xsd:anyURI
|