Emästeisiin

Emästeisiin, also known as Finnish mud or Finnish bog pillow, is a phenomenon observed in certain regions of Finland. During the late winter and early spring, thawing of the permafrost layer on top of a frozen lake or bog leads to the formation of a thick, emerald-green layer of plant material. This layer is comprised of the leaves, stems, and other vegetation that grew in the preceding summer, which were trapped beneath the ice during the winter.

As the frozen ground begins to thaw, the trapped vegetation decomposes and starts to liquefy, forming a gel-like substance. This substance can reach incredible thicknesses, often 10-20 centimeters or more, and is remarkably smooth and even. Emästeisiin is a result of the decomposition of the plant material under anaerobic conditions, meaning that there is no oxygen present, which slows down the decomposition process and prevents the typical odor of rotting vegetation.

This unique phenomenon is often observed in areas with high water tables and permafrost conditions. The decomposition process is slow, and it is not uncommon for the emästeisiin layer to be tens of years old. Researchers have used emästeisiin to study the isotopic composition of carbon and climate variability, as it is considered a reliable record of the changes in carbon cycling in the region. While it is not a widely recognized or extensively studied phenomenon, emästeisiin provides valuable insights into the ecosystems and processes that operate in subarctic regions.