Permafrost of the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, eastern and southeastern Europe

Analysis of freezing and thawing indices indicates that climatic conditions sufficient for permafrost development occur at heights of 1930 m asl in the Tatra Mountains (Poland, 49°N), 2000 m asl in the south Carpathian Mountains (Romania, 45°N), and 2300 m asl in the Balkans (Bulgaria, 42°N). Extrapolation suggests that conditions suitable for permafrost may also exist at altitudes of 2700 m asl in the Olympus Mountains (Greece, 39–40°N). In the High Tatra, permafrost may exist as both relict Pleistocene permafrost and contemporary permafrost.