Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
characteristic of the weathering of cryosols. Cryptogamic crusts are also important in
certain aridic, cold, or post-fi re environments. In summarizing the cryopedological litera-
ture, B. van Vliet-Lanoƫ et al. (2004, p. 386) conclude that the distinct features of cryosols
refl ect (i) the dominance of mechanical processes over chemical or biological activity, and
(ii) the presence of two-sided freezing, the growth of segregated ice lenses, and the associ-
ated displacement of material.
ADVANCED READING
Kimble, J. M. (2004). Section 3. Properties and processes of cryosols. In:
Cryosols.
Permafrost-
Affected
Soils
. Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 341-458.
Konishchev, V. N., Rogov, V. V. (1993). Investigations of cryogenic weathering in Europe and
Northern Asia.
Permafrost
and
Periglacial
Processes
,
4
, 49-64.
Williams, P. J., Smith, M. W. (1989).
The
Frozen
Earth.
Fundamentals
of
Geocryology
. Cambridge
University Press, Cambridge, pp. 1-26, 83-121.
Yer s hov, E . D. (19 9 0 ) .
General
Geocryology
. English translation by P. J. Williams, (1998), Cam-
bridge University Press, Cambridge, pp. 93-144.
DISCUSSION TOPICS
1. How does ice segregation and frost heaving of the ground take place?
2. Compare the volumetric expansion and segregation ice models of frost weathering.
3. What processes constitutes cryogenic weathering?
4. How effective is freeze-thaw in promoting rock disintegration?
5. What processes make cryosols different to other soil types?