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Impact of climatic factors on the active layer and permafrost at Barrow, Alaska

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  • T. Zhang
  • K. Stamnes

Abstract

A finite difference model for one‐dimensional heat flow with phase change was used to investigate the effect of climatic factors on thermal processes of the active layer and permafrost at Barrow, Alaska. Results show that the effective depth hoar fraction of the seasonal snow cover ranged from 0·11 through 0·35, with an average of 0·18±0·08. The thickness of the depth hoar layer varied from 2·7 cm to 4·8 cm, with an average value of 3·7±0·7 cm. The calculated mean annual ground and permafrost surface temperatures were about 0·7 °C higher than the measured values. The calculated active layer thicknesses were less than 10% greater than the measured values. Results from sensitivity analysis indicate that among the variable climate factors, air temperature is the most important single factor controlling the soil temperatures, while seasonal snow cover and soil moisture are also important but secondary factors. The existence of thin depth hoar layer within the seasonal snow cover is crucial to its insulating effect, while snow thickness becomes a secondary factor. Thawing index and soil moisture conditions are the most important factors influencing active layer thawing processes. Freezing index and seasonal snow cover influence the development of the active layer but their effects are very limited. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Un modèle d'écoulement de la chaleur prenant en compte les changements de phase a été utilisé pour rechercher les effets des facteurs climatiques sur les processus thermiques affectant la couche active et le pergélisol à Barrow en Alaska. Les résultats montrent que la fraction effective de givre de la couche de neige saisonnière varie de 0·11 à 0·35 avec une moyenne de 0,18±0,08. L'épaisseur de la couche profonde de givre varie de 2·7 à 4·8 cm avec une valeur moyenne de 3·7±0·7 cm. Les températures moyennes annuelles calculées du sol et de la surface du pergélisol sont environ 0·7 °C plus élevées que les valeurs mesurées. Les épaisseurs calculées de la couche active sont plus grandes que les valeurs mesurées, mais de moins de 10%. Des résultats d'une analyse de sensibilité indiquent que parmi les facteurs climatiques, la température de l'air est le facteur indépendant le plus important qui contrôle les températures du sol. La couverture saisonnière de neige et l'humidité du sol sont des facteurs qui sont également importants quoique secondaires. L'existence d'une fine couche de givre dans la couverture de neige saisonnière est cruciale pour l'effet d'isolation tandis que l'épaisseur de neige est un facteur secondaire. L'index de dégel et les conditions d'humidité du sol sont les facteurs principaux qui influencent les processus de dégel de la couche active. L'index de gel et la couverture saisonnière de neige influencent le développement de la couche active mais leurs effets sont très limités. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • T. Zhang & K. Stamnes, 1998. "Impact of climatic factors on the active layer and permafrost at Barrow, Alaska," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 9(3), pages 229-246, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:perpro:v:9:y:1998:i:3:p:229-246
    DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-1530(199807/09)9:33.0.CO;2-T
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    Cited by:

    1. Samuel Gagnon & Michel Allard, 2021. "Modeled (1990–2100) variations in active‐layer thickness and ice‐wedge activity near Salluit, Nunavik (Canada)," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(3), pages 447-467, July.
    2. Ahmad Jan, 2022. "Modeling the role of lateral surface flow in low‐relief polygonal tundra," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 33(3), pages 214-225, July.

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