Question

State the effect of permafrost on the soil of the Tundra region.

Answer 1

Permafrost, an underlying layer of permanently frozen soil, keeps only a thin surface “active” layer thawed each summer, so meltwater cannot drain away, and the ground becomes soggy and waterlogged for long periods; as a result, soils remain shallow, poorly drained, and low in nutrients with slow decomposition, which prevents deep root growth.