Permafrost is a thick subsurface layer of soil that remains permanently frozen throughout the entire year. In the arctic coastal plains of Alaska, this incredible natural wonder can extend roughly 2,000 feet below the earth’s surface. In the last frontier alone, you might be surprised to learn that permafrost is found beneath nearly 85% of Alaska’s land.
Permafrost is thickest in the arctic regions of the state of Alaska, north of the Brooks Range. With most of the permafrost in Alaska being tens of thousands of years old, there is no doubt that you’ll be positively mesmerized by how this natural wonder effects Alaska’s terrain.
Oftentimes, coastal erosion in the arctic regions of Alaska will reveal incredible displays of underlying active permafrost layers.
Flickr - U.S. Geological Survey
Exceptionally warm weather has an abundant effect on permafrost causing multiple layers to thaw out over time if the earth’s surface continues to heat up and doesn’t cool back down at a quick enough speed.
Flickr - NPS Climate Change Response
Off the Dalton Highway south of the Arctic Circle, the granite stones that push up through the permafrost layers are called tors.
Flickr - Terry Feuerborn
This enchanting aerial view shows permafrost polygons on the tundra which happens when ice wedges form underground and overtime they form these complex patterns. The incredible beauty is best appreciated from the air.
Flickr - Western Arctic National Parklands
These fascinating polygon patterns on the tundra develop from yearly freeze-thaw cycles.
Flickr - Western Arctic National Parklands
Vibrant geometry at it’s finest! The massive wedges of ice that extend vertically into the ground develop geometric shapes over time due to the crystal structure of the ice. The end result? Phenomenal beauty!
Flickr - Western Arctic National Parklands
A very unique vegetation sight indeed! As you will see, permafrost terraces interspersed with dwarf shrubs and sedge meadows make for a creative widespread landscape.
Flickr - Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Oftentimes, you’ll hear people refer to tree areas in Alaska as ‘Dr. Seuss’ forests. The short trees spread over a spanning area makes for a very unique and slightly confusing sight to behold.
Flickr - Jeremy Reding
Trees become stunted or die completely when the permafrost soil that they had grown in thaws out partially of fully.
Flickr - Jimmy Emerson, DVM
When icy permafrost thaws, former tundra and forest areas can turn into a thermokarst lake as the ground subsides. The carbon stored in the formerly frozen ground eventually releases methane gas. The bubbles are formed with the gas gets trapped in the ice.
Flickr - U.S. Geological Survey
Clever Alaskans located in areas that have an abundant amount of permafrost sometimes dig down and create makeshift freezers to store extra meat and goods.
Flickr - ulalume
On top of permafrost you will find tundra. Tundra is esentially a type of biome where the tree growth is hindered by low temperatures and short growing seasons, because of the underlying permafrost.
Flickr - Josh Kellogg
Vibrant tundra displays are one of the most beautiful things to see in Alaska. Come during the fall months and entire valleys and mountainsides will appear to be completely painted in vibrant red and orange colors and the foliage magically transforms the state.
Flickr - Phil
If you thought that was incredible, check out this mesmerizing natural phenomenon that happens just once a year in Alaska – it’s absolutely incredible! Also, this other natural phenomenon that happens in Alaska is positively stunning and must be seen to be believed.
Flickr - U.S. Geological Survey
Flickr - NPS Climate Change Response
Flickr - Terry Feuerborn
Flickr - Western Arctic National Parklands
Flickr - Alaska Region U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Flickr - Jeremy Reding
Flickr - Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Flickr - ulalume
Flickr - Josh Kellogg
Flickr - Phil
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