Occurrence of permafrost on the Varanger Peninsula, northeasternmost Norway

Abstract

Increased interest in periglacial conditions has resulted in a more thorough knowledge of the distribution of permafrost. The Varanger Peninsula, northeasternmost Norway, is commonly placed in the zone of sporadic permafrost. The occurrence of permafrost on the peninsula is discussed on the basis of a geomorphological map and temperature data. The map includes areas of thermokarst subsidence reported here for the first time from this area. The discussion indicates the presence of areas of permafrost outside the mires, especially in the central parts of the peninsula.