Hazards of Activation of Cryogenic Processes in the Arctic Community: A Geopenetrating Radar Study in Lorino, Chukotka, Russia

Abstract

The subsurface structure of permafrost is of high significance to forecast landscape dynamics and the engineering stability of infrastructure under human impacts and climate warming, which is a modern challenge for Arctic communities. Application of the non-destructive method of geo-penetrating radar (GPR) survey is a promising way to study it. The study program, which could be used for planning and monitoring of measures of adaptation of Arctic communities to environmental changes is provided in this paper. The main principle was to use etalons of coupled radargrams and archive geological data to interpret changes in the permafrost structure from a grid of 5–10 m deep GPR transects. Here, we show the application of GPR to reconstruct and predict hazards of activation of cryogenic processes from the spatial variability in the structure of permafrost. The cumulative effects of the village and climate change on permafrost were manifested in changes in the active layer thickness from 0.5−1.0 m to up to 3.5 m. Despite that the permafrost degradation has declined due to the improved maintenance of infrastructure and the effects of ground filling application, the hazards of heaving and thermokarst remain for the built-up area in Lorino.

Substantiation of the Monitoring Network of Talik Zones in Urbanized Permafrost Areas Based on GPR Profiling Data (Aanadyr, Chukotka)

“…However, in the selection of equipment, in the selection of parameters for GPR sounding and area survey, we were primarily guided by our own experience of geophysical work in Chukotka within the framework of engineering surveys and scientific research. The most fully applied methodological techniques are reflected in the work [46]. The adopted approach is based on the rejection of drafting cross sections with the display of exclusively electrophysical properties of the medium.…”

Complex of Geophysical Studies of the Seyakha Catastrophic Gas Blowout Crater on the Yamal Peninsula, Russian Arctic

“…GPR is successfully implemented during engineering works in zones with PF distribution, where it allows boundaries to be defined with strong contrasts in dielectric permittivity. In such zones, the base of the active layer, bottoms of thermokarst lakes, massive ice layers, and other features can be distinguished [75][76][77]. GPR data are usually represented in a form of digital record (traces) with registered signals of electromagnetic waves.…”

“…For accurate conversion of the section from time to depth, it is necessary to know the velocity of the electromagnetic waves in each layer. Lacking these data in the present case, the authors used a single velocity of 0.15 m per ns, obtained by averaging the velocities for frozen rocks (0.11-0.15 m per ns) and ice (0.15-0.17 m per ns) [75][76][77].…”

“…Geosciences 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 16 of 23 single velocity of 0.15 m per ns, obtained by averaging the velocities for frozen rocks (0.11-0.15 m per ns) and ice (0.15-0.17 m per ns) [75][76][77].…”

Prospecting and Evaluation of Underground Massive Ice by Ground-Penetrating Radar

“…Currently, intensive development of territories located in the permafrost zone is increasing [1]. Under the conditions of climate warming in the Arctic [2], it is necessary to assess the risk of geological hazards, as permafrost thawing affects not only the geomorphology of the Arctic, but also existing ecosystems and infrastructure [3][4][5][6][7]. Safe operation of engineering structures is an important factor for the life and health of citizens.…”