Frozen ground refers to soil or rock that has been subjected to temperatures below freezing, resulting in the formation of ice within the ground. This phenomenon is particularly common in polar regions and high-altitude areas, where the ground can remain frozen for extended periods. The presence of frozen ground can significantly impact ecosystems, construction, and infrastructure development.
In addition to permafrost, which is permanently frozen ground, there are also seasonal frost layers that can form and thaw annually. Understanding frozen ground is crucial for fields such as civil engineering, environmental science, and climatology, as it affects everything from plant growth to building stability.