Which soil order is characterized by cold and frozen conditions with permafrost?

Gelisols are the soil order that is specifically found in regions characterized by cold temperatures and the presence of permafrost. This unique feature makes Gelisols significant in terms of their physical and chemical properties, as the frozen layer restricts the movement of soil water and affects nutrient availability.

The formation of Gelisols occurs in very cold climates, where temperatures are consistently below freezing for extended periods, resulting in the accumulation of organic matter and the development of distinct soil horizons. These soils typically develop in tundra environments where vegetation is sparse, and organic material is preserved due to the cold conditions.

The cold and frozen characteristics of Gelisols play a crucial role in ecosystem dynamics, influencing vegetation types, animal habitats, and biogeochemical cycles in these areas. In contrast, the other soil orders mentioned—Vertisols, Inceptisols, and Andisols—do not possess the defining permafrost layer and are rather associated with different climatic and geological conditions.