Palsas and Lithalsas

Aggradational ice; Frost thrusting; Lapland; Lithalsa; Mineral palsa; Northern Québec; Palsa; Periglacial mound; Remnant of lithalsas; Segregation ice

Abstract :

[en] Palsas and lithalsas are mounds that contain lenses of segregation ice. They are islands of permafrost. These two kinds of mounds are very similar in shape, size, and origin. However, the palsas have a cover of peat which does not exist in lithalsas. The formation of ice in the core of these mounds requires material in which capillary water undergoes slow freezing. The remnants of lithalsas are depressions surrounded by ramparts, which does not exist after the melting of palsas. The processes involved in the formation of segregation ice are described in the beginning of the chapter. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Disciplines :

Earth sciences & physical geography

Author, co-author :

Pissart, Albert ; Université de Liège - ULiège

Language :

English

Title :

Palsas and Lithalsas

Publication date :

2013

Journal title :

Treatise on Geomorphology

Publisher :

Elsevier Inc.

Special issue title :

Glacial and Periglacial Geomorphology

Volume :

Issue :

Pages :

223-237

Commentary :

9780080885223

Available on ORBi :

since 19 August 2020

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360 (2 by ULiège)

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Bibliography

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