Which mechanism causes terraced hillsides in arctic regions experiencing seasonal thaw?

💡 Explanation

Seasonal thawing of permafrost causes the active layer to saturate with meltwater, reducing its shear strength; therefore, solifluction occurs due to gravity, creating lobes and terraces as soil slowly flows downslope. So terraced hillsides result, rather than wind erosion, chemical weathering or tectonic uplift which require distinct processes.

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