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Ice wedges in fields |
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As a result of this project, I learned about the spiderweb-like structure of ice wedges.
When we see land sinking in farm fields, we’re observing the melting of ground ice. Melting ice wedges leave behind a network of troughlike depressions and raised mounds. These small-scale variations in the land are called microtopography.
The development of microtopography can become more pronounced on land with ice-rich permafrost that has been cleared of vegetation.
Through temperature monitoring, we are learning that maintaining vegetative cover is one of the best ways to avoid disrupting ice wedges. Planting ground cover after the ground has been cleared can also help avoid permafrost thaw
When we see land sinking in farm fields, we’re observing the melting of ground ice. Melting ice wedges leave behind a network of troughlike depressions and raised mounds. These small-scale variations in the land are called microtopography.
The development of microtopography can become more pronounced on land with ice-rich permafrost that has been cleared of vegetation.
Through temperature monitoring, we are learning that maintaining vegetative cover is one of the best ways to avoid disrupting ice wedges. Planting ground cover after the ground has been cleared can also help avoid permafrost thaw
Melting ice wedges leave behind a network of trough-like
depressions and raised mounds.
depressions and raised mounds.
Art and text by Glenna Gannon, assistant research professor at the Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, and co-investigator of the Permafrost Grown Project.
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