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Thermo‐erosional valleys in Siberian ice‐rich permafrost

Author

Listed:
  • Anne Morgenstern
  • Pier Paul Overduin
  • Frank Günther
  • Samuel Stettner
  • Justine Ramage
  • Lutz Schirrmeister
  • Mikhail N. Grigoriev
  • Guido Grosse

Abstract

Thermal erosion is a major mechanism of permafrost degradation, resulting in characteristic landforms. We inventory thermo‐erosional valleys in ice‐rich coastal lowlands adjacent to the Siberian Laptev Sea based on remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), and field investigations for a first regional assessment of their spatial distribution and characteristics. Three study areas with similar geological (Yedoma Ice Complex) but diverse geomorphological conditions vary in valley areal extent, incision depth, and branching geometry. The most extensive valley networks are incised deeply (up to 35 m) into the broad inclined lowland around Mamontov Klyk. The flat, low‐lying plain forming the Buor Khaya Peninsula is more degraded by thermokarst and characterized by long valleys of lower depth with short tributaries. Small, isolated Yedoma Ice Complex remnants in the Lena River Delta predominantly exhibit shorter but deep valleys. Based on these hydrographical network and topography assessments, we discuss geomorphological and hydrological connections to erosion processes. Relative catchment size along with regional slope interact with other Holocene relief‐forming processes such as thermokarst and neotectonics. Our findings suggest that thermo‐erosional valleys are prominent, hitherto overlooked permafrost degradation landforms that add to impacts on biogeochemical cycling, sediment transport, and hydrology in the degrading Siberian Yedoma Ice Complex.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne Morgenstern & Pier Paul Overduin & Frank Günther & Samuel Stettner & Justine Ramage & Lutz Schirrmeister & Mikhail N. Grigoriev & Guido Grosse, 2021. "Thermo‐erosional valleys in Siberian ice‐rich permafrost," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(1), pages 59-75, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:perpro:v:32:y:2021:i:1:p:59-75
    DOI: 10.1002/ppp.2087
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Guido Grosse & Lutz Schirrmeister & Viktor V. Kunitsky & Hans‐Wolfgang Hubberten, 2005. "The use of CORONA images in remote sensing of periglacial geomorphology: an illustration from the NE Siberian coast," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(2), pages 163-172, April.
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    4. Laure Dupeyrat & Benoît Hurault & François Costard & Chiara Marmo & Emmanuele Gautier, 2018. "Satellite image analysis and frozen cylinder experiments on thermal erosion of periglacial fluvial islands," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(2), pages 100-111, April.
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    6. Daniel Fortier & Michel Allard & Yuri Shur, 2007. "Observation of rapid drainage system development by thermal erosion of ice wedges on Bylot Island, Canadian Arctic Archipelago," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 18(3), pages 229-243, July.
    7. Etienne Godin & Gordon R. Osinski & Tanya N. Harrison & Alexandra Pontefract & Michael Zanetti, 2019. "Geomorphology of Gullies at Thomas Lee Inlet, Devon Island, Canadian High Arctic," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(1), pages 19-34, January.
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