Permafrost, also known as pergelisol, is a layer of frozen soil, rocks, and other materials found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions that remains below 0 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive years. The term "pergelisol" comes from the Russian "перманентно замерзающий грунт" (permanently frozen ground). Its spelling reflects its Russian origin, with the "g" representing a "hard g" sound, and the "o" representing the "short o" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /pərˈɡɛləˌsɑl/.
Permafrost, also known as pergelisol, refers to a layer of soil or rock that remains at or below 0°C (32°F) for two or more consecutive years. It is found in various regions across the Earth, predominantly in high latitudes like the Arctic and Antarctic, but also in high-altitude areas such as the Tibetan Plateau. Pergelisol is characterized by its frozen state, with water within the soil or rock remaining in a solid form as ice. This frozen condition greatly affects the properties and behavior of pergelisol.
Pergelisol is divided into two main layers: an active layer and a permanently frozen layer. The active layer is the uppermost layer, which thaws during the warmer months and refreezes during the colder months. It is subject to seasonal changes and can vary in thickness depending on climatic conditions. The permanently frozen layer, often referred to as the "permafrost table," remains frozen all year round and can extend to significant depths, reaching hundreds of meters.
Pergelisol plays a crucial role in shaping the surrounding environment. It influences vegetation growth, water availability, and stability of landscapes. However, due to climate change, pergelisol is in a state of degradation, with rising temperatures causing thawing and destabilization. This thawing can lead to various environmental issues, including the release of stored greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, soil erosion, and shifting of landscapes. The impact on infrastructure built on pergelisol areas, such as buildings, roads, and pipelines, is also a concern. Understanding pergelisol and its changes is essential in addressing the ecological, social, and economic impacts associated with climate change.
The term "pergelisol" originates from the French word "pergélisol", which was coined in the early 20th century. It is derived from the Latin prefix "per-" meaning "through" or "thoroughly", and the French word "gel" meaning "frost". In combination, "pergelisol" refers to frozen ground or soil that remains below the freezing temperature for at least two consecutive years. The term is commonly used in the field of geology and is frequently known as "permafrost" in English.