Subalpine heaths as an indicator of a periglacial environment

Abstract

Subalpine heaths in Abisko Valley, northern Sweden, are considered an indicator of a periglacial environment. Geomorphological frost features such as active nonsorted circles, stone pits and frost-heaved stones and boulders are found on subalpine heaths. Soil studies indicate that cryoturbation and solifluction have been and are currently active on subalpine heaths. Temperature measurements show that in years with low precipitation and cold winters, ground temperature docs not rise above 0° 200 cm depth on vegetation covered sites on wet subalpine heaths. Seasonal frost processes are reinforced by local climatic factors and edaphic conditions resulting in the development and maintenance of periglacial features in environments below the tree-line.