The Underground Natural Wonder In Alaska That's Positively Unique
By Courtney|Published December 23, 2016
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Courtney
Author
Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
Permafrost is a thick subsurface layer of soil that remains permanently frozen throughout the entire year. In the arctic coastal plains of Alaska, this incredible natural wonder can extend roughly 2,000 feet below the earth’s surface. In the last frontier alone, you might be surprised to learn that permafrost is found beneath nearly 85% of Alaska’s land.
Permafrost is thickest in the arctic regions of the state of Alaska, north of the Brooks Range. With most of the permafrost in Alaska being tens of thousands of years old, there is no doubt that you’ll be positively mesmerized by how this natural wonder effects Alaska’s terrain.
Oftentimes, coastal erosion in the arctic regions of Alaska will reveal incredible displays of underlying active permafrost layers.
Exceptionally warm weather has an abundant effect on permafrost causing multiple layers to thaw out over time if the earth's surface continues to heat up and doesn't cool back down at a quick enough speed.
This enchanting aerial view shows permafrost polygons on the tundra which happens when ice wedges form underground and overtime they form these complex patterns. The incredible beauty is best appreciated from the air.
Vibrant geometry at it's finest! The massive wedges of ice that extend vertically into the ground develop geometric shapes over time due to the crystal structure of the ice. The end result? Phenomenal beauty!
A very unique vegetation sight indeed! As you will see, permafrost terraces interspersed with dwarf shrubs and sedge meadows make for a creative widespread landscape.
Oftentimes, you'll hear people refer to tree areas in Alaska as 'Dr. Seuss' forests. The short trees spread over a spanning area makes for a very unique and slightly confusing sight to behold.
When icy permafrost thaws, former tundra and forest areas can turn into a thermokarst lake as the ground subsides. The carbon stored in the formerly frozen ground eventually releases methane gas. The bubbles are formed with the gas gets trapped in the ice.
Clever Alaskans located in areas that have an abundant amount of permafrost sometimes dig down and create makeshift freezers to store extra meat and goods.
On top of permafrost you will find tundra. Tundra is esentially a type of biome where the tree growth is hindered by low temperatures and short growing seasons, because of the underlying permafrost.
Vibrant tundra displays are one of the most beautiful things to see in Alaska. Come during the fall months and entire valleys and mountainsides will appear to be completely painted in vibrant red and orange colors and the foliage magically transforms the state.
