In a cold region like Mt. Chōkai, strong winds in winter can blow away the snow, exposing the ground. The water contained in the ground freezes and thaws repeatedly.

When water becomes ice, its volume increases; if this happens inside rocks, it causes the rocks to break. When water inside soil freezes, it lifts sand and gravel, and when that ice melts, it carries the sand and gravel with it in one direction.

These processes are called periglacial processes, and the terrains they create are called periglacial landforms. Periglacial processes are an important part of creating the terrain in cold regions such as mountainous zones.

Since the ground is unstable with its soil constantly moving, it is difficult for trees to grow here. Because of this, various types of gravel can be seen, as well as mounds of earth resembling steamed buns that can be seen just below the vegetation.