Alas (geography)

shallow depression formed by subsidence of the Arctic permafrost

Alas is a landform that is a little bit lower than the surface around it. It mainly occurs in Yakutia. An alas first develops as a shallow lake. The lake eventually dries out and is replaced by grass and other plants.

Alas Mamykan near Mayya

Alases are often used as a pasture for horses. They are common in the Central Yakutian Lowland. The largest alas in the world is Myuryu, found in Ust-Aldan District.[1]

References

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  1. Bosikov, Nikolaĭ Petrovich (1991). Ėvoli︠u︡t︠s︡ii︠a︡ alasov T︠S︡entralʹnoĭ I︠A︡kutii (in Russian). In-t merzlotovedenii︠a︡ SO AN SSSR. ISBN 978-5-7623-0283-8.