Spots-medallions at Tien-Shan highlands

Abstract

Non-sorted spots (spots-medallions) are described with regard to their structure, spatial distribution, as well as conditions and mechanism of their formation. Three types of such forms are distinguished. A critical review of main concepts of the non-sorted spots origin is given. In the author's opinion they are due to action of needle ice and ice crust resulting from night frosts. If the hydrotherapy of soil changes so as to prevent needle ice and ice crust formation the spots begin to degrade.