Geologists are almost universally familiar with the name of this planet - for it is unique in its crustal structure. The outer layers of the planet are mostly rock, but beneath this is a thick layer of ice. The ice is under such pressure that it is very unstable and can shift suddenly, causing planet-wide earthquakes several times per day. Building is almost impossible here, but seismic survey teams are always to be found camped out in temporary shelters at the more stable points. The sound of cracking ice and rock is a constant background noise on Arkanis V. Surprisingly, there are primitive forms of lithotrophic plant life spread across the surface, though none grow higher than a few inches.