Alases: Unique Depressions in Yakutia's Permafrost
Alases are shallow depressions found primarily in Yakutia, Russia, formed due to the subsidence of Arctic permafrost. They originate as lakes but eventually dry out, giving way to grassy vegetation. Unlike similar thermokarst depressions elsewhere in the Arctic, alas lakes are temporary, resulting from the aridity of Yakutia.
The largest alas in the world, known as Myuryu, is located in the Ust-Aldan District of Yakutia. Alases serve practical uses, such as pasturage for horses and hay fields. In the Central Yakutian Lowland, they are a common sight.
Beyond their ecological significance, alases hold deep cultural importance. During the Ysyakh festival, a traditional Yakut New Year's celebration, thousands gather on alas near Yakutsk. Temporary homes made of birch bark and wooden structures are erected, creating a symbolic and sacred space.
Alases are fascinating geological features that showcase the unique permafrost dynamics of Yakutia. They provide insight into the region's intricate environmental processes and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions intertwined with the landscape.