Periglacial phenomena and their significance as climatic and edaphic indicators

As formed by frost-action and the presence of intensely frozen ground periglacial phenomena, especially microrelief features, are good examples for geomorphic phenomena as being clearly dependent upon specific climatic conditions. Whereas climate controls and delimits the formation and occurrence of periglacial phenomena at a zonal and regional scale, non-climatic vegetational, topographical and edaphic factors are significant within the climatically defined boundary conditions at a smaller scale. It can be shown that each type of periglacial phenomenon is dependent on specific climatic and edaphic conditions. Data on these conditions are compiled in several tables. On the other hand, because of this dependence on specific environmental conditions periglacial phenomena are at the same time diagnostic indicators for such conditions. As to climate they are indicators for specific climatically defined types of frozen ground and for thermal conditions in terms of mean values, such as mean air temperatures, freezing and thawing indexes. Spatial associations of genetically different types of periglacial phenomena indicate the extent and regional subdivision of the periglacial environment and its climatic limits. The definition of the climate-diagnostic value of present periglacial phenomena is an essential perequisite for the palaeoclimatic interpretation phenomena are sensitive to climatic variations of small amplitude and as such they are also indicators of recent short-term climatic changes. As to edaphic conditions they indicate frost-action potential of the groud and various soil properties which have practical implications. As edaphic indicators periglacial phenomena are of significance for terrain evaluation programmes in the Arctic for practical purposes.