Periglacial processes
Phenomena
Gelifluction (Svalbard) – result of freeze-thaw processes. Slow movement of topsoil downslope. Usually forms gelifluction lobes (can be seen on the upper part of the slope) and gelifluction benches (middle part of the slope). The lowermost part of the slope is formed by marine terraces.
Patterned ground - stripes (Svalbard) – lower half of the picture – sorted material with altering stripes of larger clasts and the finer sediments and vegetation. Result of gelifluction on the gently dipped (7-10°) slopes.
Patterned ground – polygons (Svalbard) – the polygons form in the permafrost areas. The stones that form the edges usually decrease in size with depth. Freezing and thawing of groundwater cause the movement of larger clasts towards the surface and edges of polygons.
Frost weathering (Svalbard) – mechanical process caused by freezing and thawing of water. The water in cracks of the boulder repeatedly froze and caused the boulder to crack.