IB Geography Topic C.2.2 Periglacial Processes and Landforms Revision Notes (SL/HL)

IB Geography Topic C.2.2 Periglacial Processes and Landforms Revision Notes (SL/HL) | RevisionDojo

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Processes in Cold Environments with Seasonal Thawing

Cold environments are areas characterized by low temperatures, often below freezing for most of the year.
They include polar regions, high-altitude mountains, and periglacial zones (areas near glaciers).
In these regions, seasonal thawing plays a critical role in shaping the landscape through unique processes and landforms.

Key Processes in Cold Environments

Freeze-Thaw Weathering

Freeze-thaw weathering is a mechanical process where water enters cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands by 10%.
This expansion exerts pressure on the rock, causing it to fracture over repeated cycles.

Example

Imagine a rock with a small crack.
During the day, meltwater seeps into the crack.
At night, temperatures drop below freezing, causing the water to expand and widen the crack.
Over time, the rock breaks apart into smaller pieces.

Note

Tip

Freeze-thaw is most effective in environments with frequent temperature fluctuations around 0°C, such as periglacial zones.

Solifluction

Solifluction refers to the slow downslope movement of water-saturated soil.
In winter, the ground freezes, and in spring, the active layer (the top layer of soil above permafrost) thaws.
The thawed soil becomes saturated because the underlying permafrost is impermeable, preventing drainage.

Example

On a slope, this saturated soil slowly flows downhill, forming solifluction lobes or terracettes, small ridges or steps on the landscape.

Analogy

Think of solifluction like a slow-moving mudslide.
The frozen ground acts as a slippery base, allowing the thawed soil to slide downhill.

Frost Heave

Frost heave occurs when water in the soil freezes and expands, pushing soil particles or stones upward.
As the ice melts, the soil settles unevenly, leaving stones elevated on the surface.

Example

This process creates features like patterned ground, where stones form circles, polygons, or stripes due to repeated frost heave cycles.

Common Mistake

Note

Don't confuse frost heave with freeze-thaw weathering.
Frost heave affects soil and stones, while freeze-thaw breaks down rocks.

Periglacial Landforms

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Processes in Cold Environments with Seasonal Thawing

Cold environments are areas characterized by low temperatures, often below freezing for most of the year.
They include polar regions, high-altitude mountains, and periglacial zones (areas near glaciers).
In these regions, seasonal thawing plays a critical role in shaping the landscape through unique processes and landforms.

Key Processes in Cold Environments

Freeze-Thaw Weathering

Freeze-thaw weathering is a mechanical process where water enters cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands by 10%.
This expansion exerts pressure on the rock, causing it to fracture over repeated cycles.

Example

Imagine a rock with a small crack.
During the day, meltwater seeps into the crack.
At night, temperatures drop below freezing, causing the water to expand and widen the crack.
Over time, the rock breaks apart into smaller pieces.

Note

Tip

Freeze-thaw is most effective in environments with frequent temperature fluctuations around 0°C, such as periglacial zones.

Solifluction

Solifluction refers to the slow downslope movement of water-saturated soil.
In winter, the ground freezes, and in spring, the active layer (the top layer of soil above permafrost) thaws.
The thawed soil becomes saturated because the underlying permafrost is impermeable, preventing drainage.

Example

On a slope, this saturated soil slowly flows downhill, forming solifluction lobes or terracettes, small ridges or steps on the landscape.

Analogy

Think of solifluction like a slow-moving mudslide.
The frozen ground acts as a slippery base, allowing the thawed soil to slide downhill.

Frost Heave

Frost heave occurs when water in the soil freezes and expands, pushing soil particles or stones upward.
As the ice melts, the soil settles unevenly, leaving stones elevated on the surface.

Example

This process creates features like patterned ground, where stones form circles, polygons, or stripes due to repeated frost heave cycles.

Common Mistake

Note

Don't confuse frost heave with freeze-thaw weathering.
Frost heave affects soil and stones, while freeze-thaw breaks down rocks.

Periglacial Landforms

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Tip

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1 Changing Population3 subtopics

2 Global Climate - Vulnerability and Resilience3 subtopics

3 Global Resource Consumption and Security3 subtopics

4 Power, Places and Networks (HL only)3 subtopics

5 Human Development and Diversity (HL only)3 subtopics

6 Global Risks and Resilience (HL only)3 subtopics

Option A Freshwater - Drainage Basins4 subtopics

Option B Oceans and Coastal Margins4 subtopics

Option C Extreme Environments4 subtopics

Option D Geophysical Hazards4 subtopics

Option E Leisure, Tourism and Sport4 subtopics

Option F The Geography of Food and Health4 subtopics

Option G Urban Environments5 subtopics

IB Geography C.2.2 Periglacial Processes and Landforms Notes

1 Changing Population3 subtopics

2 Global Climate - Vulnerability and Resilience3 subtopics

3 Global Resource Consumption and Security3 subtopics

4 Power, Places and Networks (HL only)3 subtopics

5 Human Development and Diversity (HL only)3 subtopics

6 Global Risks and Resilience (HL only)3 subtopics

Option A Freshwater - Drainage Basins4 subtopics

Option B Oceans and Coastal Margins4 subtopics

Option C Extreme Environments4 subtopics

Option D Geophysical Hazards4 subtopics

Option E Leisure, Tourism and Sport4 subtopics

Option F The Geography of Food and Health4 subtopics

Option G Urban Environments5 subtopics

Processes in Cold Environments with Seasonal Thawing

Key Processes in Cold Environments

Freeze-Thaw Weathering

Solifluction

Frost Heave

Periglacial Landforms

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Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

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Processes in Cold Environments with Seasonal Thawing

Key Processes in Cold Environments

Freeze-Thaw Weathering

Solifluction

Frost Heave

Periglacial Landforms

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account