| Term: | Alas/alass |
| Definition: | A large depression of the ground surface produced by thawing of a large area of very thick and exceedingly ice-rich Permafrost. In the early stages of formation, a shallow (appx. 2 m) circular 'alas lake' forms in a steep-sided depression. Enlargement and ultimate drainage of a number of such lakes may leave low inter-alas plateaus. |