Which one of the following best explains the term "Permafrost"?
(a) A layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year in polar and subpolar regions
(b) A seasonal ice sheet that forms over lakes and rivers during winter
(c) A thick frozen glacier found only in the upper ranges of high mountains.
(d) A temporary frost layer that forms due to sudden temperature drops in temperate zones

Question

Which one of the following best explains the term "Permafrost"?
(a) A layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year in polar and subpolar regions
(b) A seasonal ice sheet that forms over lakes and rivers during winter
(c) A thick frozen glacier found only in the upper ranges of high mountains.
(d) A temporary frost layer that forms due to sudden temperature drops in temperate zones

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Recently, scientists discovered a 44,000-year-old wolf remarkably well-preserved in permafrost.
Permafrost refers to ground that remains frozen year-round, including soil, rocks, and organic material. Above it lies an active layer that thaws during the warmer months and refreezes in winter, while the underlying permafrost stays permanently frozen beneath the surface.

Cryosphere

Permafrost

Website Link

Test Your Knowledge

Student Resources


M Question 1	⏱ 0
Which one of the following best explains the term "Permafrost"? (a) A layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year in polar and subpolar regions (b) A seasonal ice sheet that forms over lakes and rivers during winter (c) A thick frozen glacier found only in the upper ranges of high mountains. (d) A temporary frost layer that forms due to sudden temperature drops in temperate zones