From introduction: 'Many of Alaska's estimated 170 million acres of wetlands owe their existence to permafrost. Permafrost, a layer of impermeable, frozen soil below the surface, creates wetlands in seasonally thawed soils. The value of wetlands created by permafrost bas been the subject of controversy in debates over development and conservation of Alaska wetlands. Some policymakers and developers argue that because these wetlands owe their existence to the frozen soil, they should not receive the same protection as other wetlands considered to have higher preservation value. A better understanding of the functions and values of these wetlands is crucial in order to define this difficult question.'