Zonation and Ecology of High Mountain Permafrost in Scandinavia

Abstract

Field studies in the Jotunheimen, Rondane and Kebnekaise areas provide evidence that vast permafrost occurrences exist in the high mountain areas of Scandinavia. This is also supported by theoretical conclusions. A threefold vertical subdivision for high altitude permafrost is suggested: continuous, discontinuous and sporadic. The mean annual air temperature is a good indicator for the altitudinal limits of these permafrost belts in non-investigated areas, at least for the more continental mountain regions. Among others, ice-cored moraines and rock glaciers are discussed as typical sites where the occurrence of high altitude permafrost is favoured.