Cryopeg is a layer of unfrozen ground that is perennially cryotic (forming part of the permafrost) in which freezing is prevented by freezing-point depression due to the dissolved-solids content of the pore water. Cryopegs remain liquid at the in situ temperature of −9°C to −11°C and make up the only habitat on the Earth that is characterized by permanent subzero temperatures, high salinity, and the absence of external influence during geological time. Cryopegs are mineralized headwater lenses below the Arctic massive ground ice bodies.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Bibliography
Gilichinsky, D., et al., 2005. Biodiversity of cryopegs in permafrost. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 53, 117–128.
Ozerskaya, S. M., Ivanushkina, N. E., Kochkina, G. A., Fattakhova, R. N., and Gilichinsky, D. A., 2004. Mycelial fungi in cryopegs. International Journal of Astrobiology, 3(4), 327–331.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
About this entry
Cite this entry
Pradeep Kumar, P. (2011). Cryopeg. In: Singh, V.P., Singh, P., Haritashya, U.K. (eds) Encyclopedia of Snow, Ice and Glaciers. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2642-2_90
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2642-2_90
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-2641-5
Online ISBN: 978-90-481-2642-2
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Earth and Environmental Sciences