Using Figure 8 and your own knowledge, assess the role of frost action in the development of this landscape - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1

Frost action plays a significant role in the development of periglacial landscapes, particularly in the context of the area depicted in Figure 8. The features visible, including patterned ground and ice wedges, are direct results of freeze-thaw cycles that characterize such environments.

In the summer, when temperatures rise, the active layer above the permafrost thaws. This thawing and refreezing process contributes to the formation of features like ice wedges, which form as water fills cracks in the ground during warmer periods and expands upon freezing, creating a combination of ice and sediment.

The landscape often shows a characteristic patterned ground, created through this freeze-thaw process. The polygons visible in Figure 8 are likely formed from repeated frost action, leading to the development of pingo formations in the landscape.

Additionally, local climate factors, such as the high water table, interact with frost processes. The presence of numerous lakes indicates a landscape shaped significantly by moisture levels and frost action. Over time, the repeated processes of freezing and thawing, alongside ground movement, have resulted in the complex, patterned nature of this periglacial environment.

In conclusion, frost action is integral to the development and morphology of the landscape shown in Figure 8, influencing terrestrial processes and contributing significantly to its unique features.