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Periglacial Geomorphology presents a comprehensive introduction to the processes that operate in present periglacial environments (environments adjacent to a glacier or ice sheet, or other areas subject to repeated freezing and thawing) and discusses the inferences that can be drawn about former periglacial environments from those processes. Organized into six parts, the book opens with the historical and scientific context of periglacial geomorphology and the nature of periglacial environments. Following chapters provide systematic coverage of the full range of topics germane to a thorough understanding of periglacial geomorphology, including:
- The physics of ground freezing and thawing, characteristics of permafrost, and the nature and origin of underground ice
- Characteristics, formation and significance of landforms, sediments, and structures associated with permafrost, permafrost degradation, and seasonal ground freezing and thawing
- Rock weathering in periglacial environments, periglacial processes operating on hillslopes, and the characteristic landforms produced by rock breakdown and slope processes in cold environments
- The operation of fluvial, aeolian and coastal processes in cold environments, and the resulting distinctive landforms and sediments
- The use of relict periglacial features to reconstruct past cold environments in midlatitude regions and the responses of periglacial environments to recent and predicted climate change
Periglacial Geomorphology is an important resource for undergraduate and graduate students studying geomorphology or Quaternary science within the context of geography and geology degree programs. It will be of use to all scientists whose research involves an understanding of cold environments, whether from a geographical, geological, ecological, climatological, pedological, hydrological, or engineering perspective.
Preface xi
Acknowledgement xiii
1 Introduction 1
2 Periglacial Environments 11
3 Ground Freezing and Thawing 23
4 Permafrost 39
5 Ground Ice and Cryostratigraphy 57
6 Thermal Contraction Cracking: Ice Wedges and Related Landforms 81
7 Pingos, Palsas and other Frost Mounds 97
8 Thermokarst 117
9 Seasonally Frozen Ground Phenomena 143
10 Rock Weathering and Associated Landforms 169
11 Periglacial Mass Movement and Hillslope Evolution 195
12 Talus Slopes and Related Landforms 225
13 Fluvial Processes and Landforms 253
14 Wind Action 275
15 Periglacial Coasts 299
16 Past Periglacial Environments 313
17 Climate Change and Periglacial Environments 349
Appendix: Text Abbreviations, Units and Symbols Employed in Equations 373
References 375
Index 441
Colin K. Ballantyne, PhD DSC FRSE FRSGS FGS FBSG, is Emeritus Professor in Physical Geography, University of St Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK.
