Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
climate environment. Also, natural resource development in the northern polar region
requires an understanding of the peculiarities of permafrost terrain. Human-induced
thermokarst and other disturbances need to be minimized through appropriate geo-
technical engineering, and by sound management and regulatory practice. The fact that
climate change may fi rst become apparent at high latitudes, and that permafrost can be
regarded as an archive of past temperatures, has promoted long-term monitoring of the
thickness of the active layer and of permafrost temperatures. In the sub-arctic, the
potential thaw of permafrost is a concern to human and economic activity in general. In
alpine regions, the increased utilization of upper slopes for recreation activities, and the
potential for slope instability consequent upon permafrost thaw, has promoted studies
of mountain permafrost. Likewise, the thinning of sea ice and the potential expansion
of arctic shipping lanes has prompted international attention towards cold-climate
coasts.
ADVANCED READING
André, M.-F. (2003). Do periglacial landscapes evolve under periglacial conditions?
Geomorphol-
ogy
,
52
, 149-164.
French, H. M. (2000). Does Lozinski's periglacial realm exist today? A discussion relevant to
modern usage of the term “periglacial”.
Permafrost and Periglacial Processes
,
11
, 35-42.
French, H. M. (2003). The development of periglacial geomorphology: 1 - up to 1965.
Permafrost
and Periglacial Processes
,
14
, 29-60.
Thorn, C. E. (1992). Periglacial geomorphology. What? Where? When? In: Dixon, J. C., Abrahams,
A. D., eds.,
Periglacial Geomorphology
, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, pp. 1-30.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How useful is Lozinski's periglacial concept?
2. What constitutes the periglacial domain?
3. Has periglacial geomorphology become a branch of geocryology?
4. What does cryostratigraphy contribute to periglacial geomorphology and to Quater-
nary science?
