Patterned frozen soils get their shape from gravity and funky physics

by Rebecca Dzombak, American Geophysical Union

edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin

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Add as preferred source New research uses Oobleck, the non-Newtonian substance and common classroom experiment, to improve understanding of how permafrost moves down a slope. Credit: Joel Rowland Hillslopes in Arctic regions with frozen soils can host a suite of geometric patterns, from circles and stripes to polygonal patterned ground. They can also have solifluction patterns, or markings left behind when partially thawed permafrost slips and flows down a slope. Solifluction patterns look like pairings of flat, terraced soil—like a big staircase—and rounded lobes of soil at the terrace's base.