Chapter 43, Problem 9SA

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Permafrost is the land including soil and rocks, which are at or below 0^oC (freezing point of water), for two or more years. Permafrost is located at higher altitudes, in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Permafrost is a thick layer of frozen soil (about 500 meters or 1,600 feet thick). Permafrost prevents drainage of water, making the soil water logged always. Due to the anaerobic conditions of this soil, decay of organic matter is very slow, and so the matter accumulates, making the tundra, one of the earth’s greatest sources of carbon.