Frost Polygons in the Laptev Sea (IMAGE)
Caption
This polygonal or geometric patterns on the shallow seafloor (10-17 m water depth) here shown on a side-scan sonar image, were formed when the area was emergent (land) during the last glacial and was permanently frozen but not covered by glaciers. Thermal contraction of the ground causes cracks with these geometric shapes with the high parts being raised about 1 m from the surrounding seafloor. The area was probably submerged again around 7 or 8 thousand years ago.
Credit
Atlas of Submarine Glacial Landforms (2017)
Usage Restrictions
With appropriate caption and credit only.
License
Licensed content