The significance of cryoturbation phenomena in environmental reconstruction

• Published in: Journal of Quaternary Science
• Main Author: Van Vliet‐Lanoë, Brigitte
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1988
• Subjects: permafrost
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jqs.3390030110; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fjqs.3390030110; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/jqs.3390030110

Abstract Cryoturbation results mainly from differential heave related to (1) drainage and thermal conditions and (2) frost susceptibility. Loadcasting and cryostatic pressures are restricted to wet soils such as pure silt or silty sand. The translocation of fine particles resulting from repeated freezing and thawing can promote frost susceptibility in a previously non‐susceptible material, as well as a loss in stability of the surface horizons (liquefaction). Small and metric scale cryoturbations can be explained by this process. Large scale deformations and injections may be related to abnormal liquefaction not necessarily associated with frost. Regular patterns are associated with fissure nets. Upturned injections in a downslope direction attest to cryoturbation and frost creep. A lowering of the water table promotes the formation of drop‐like cryoturbations, most of which can be related to seasonal frost in imperfectly to poorly drained soils. They are not indicative of permafrost except in well drained situations or in the case of flat bottomed involutions.