Permafrost Investigations in High-Mountain Regions

Gorbunov, Aldar P.

doi:10.2307/1550761

Cited by 64 publications

(60 citation statements)

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“…This finding fits well with previous estimates by Brazier et al (1998) andGorbunov (1978) which were derived by different means. The higher altitudinal limit of 2148 m asl (± ∼70 m) calculated for the Inland Kaikoura Range represents the shift of suitably cold climatic condition to higher elevations at the warmer top of the South Island, conforming with the global trend of increasing elevational Lilleøren and Etzelmüller (2011); USA, central Alaska Range, Wahrhaftig and Cox (1959); South Shetland Islands, Serrano and López-Martıìnez (2000).…”

Section: Comparison To Other Permafrost Distribution Studiessupporting

confidence: 93%

“…A first rock glacier inventory aiming at the description of the Southern Alps' permafrost extent was created by Jeanneret (1975), who mapped 27 active rock glaciers in selected areas and found frontal lobe altitudes ranging between 1620 and 2180 m above sea level (asl). Based on a more comprehensive rock glacier inventory for the Ben Ohau Range, Brazier et al (1998) proposed a lower limit of ∼2000 m asl for sporadic permafrost occurrences in the Southern Alps, supporting an earlier estimate by Gorbunov (1978) based on first-order snowline approximations. Allen et al (2008) adapted Haeberli's (1975 topoclimatic distribution thresholds for steep slopes (>20 • ) to the climatic conditions in the Mt Cook region, but found that this model underestimated the permafrost extent indicated by rock glaciers in the region.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 55%

“…An oceanic control on permafrost distribution limits has been occasionally suggested in the past. Cheng (1983) found altitudinal permafrost limits in Western China were lower in areas of lower continentality due to the effect of cloud cover (more frequent in maritime climates) at latitudes below 40 • N. Gorbunov (1978) reported a general trend of lower mountain permafrost limits in littoral regions without elaborating on possible controls. Similarly, Matsuoka (2003) documented lower permafrost limits in Asian high mountain areas of humid continental and pacific climate than in arid continental climates.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Estimating Permafrost Distribution in the Maritime Southern Alps, New Zealand, Based on Climatic Conditions at Rock Glacier Sites

et al. 2016

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Alpine permafrost occurrence in maritime climates has received little attention, despite suggestions that permafrost may occur at lower elevations than in continental climates. To assess the spatial and altitudinal limits of permafrost in the maritime Southern Alps, we developed and tested a catchment-scale distributed permafrost estimate. We used logistic regression to identify the relationship between permafrost presence at 280 active and relict rock glacier sites and the independent variables (a) mean annual air temperature (MAAT) and (b) potential incoming solar radiation in snow free months. The statistical relationships were subsequently employed to calculate the spatially-distributed probability of permafrost occurrence, using a probability of ≥ 0.6 to delineate the potential permafrost extent. Our results suggest that topoclimatic conditions are favorable for permafrost occurrence in debris-mantled slopes above ∼2000 m above sea level (asl) in the central Southern Alps and above ∼2150 m asl in the more northern Kaikoura ranges. Considering the well-recognized latitudinal influence on global permafrost occurrences, these altitudinal limits are lower than the limits observed in other mountain regions. We argue that the Southern Alps' lower distribution limits may exemplify an oceanic influence on global permafrost distribution. Reduced ice-loss due to moderate maritime summer temperature extremes may facilitate the existence of permafrost at lower altitudes than in continental regions at similar latitude. Empirical permafrost distribution models derived in continental climates may consequently be of limited applicability in maritime settings.

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Section: Comparison To Other Permafrost Distribution Studiessupporting

confidence: 93%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 55%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Estimating Permafrost Distribution in the Maritime Southern Alps, New Zealand, Based on Climatic Conditions at Rock Glacier Sites

et al. 2016

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“…4 Occurrence and characteristics of permafrost in mountains of the HKH Early reviews (Brown et al, 1998;Gorbunov, 1978;Matsuoka, 2003) have already predicted large areas of permafrost in the HKH based on insight from neighbouring mountain ranges and limited local field evidence. The areas of likely permafrost occurrence in mountains can now be more consistently constrained and visualized ( Fig.…”

Section: Climate and Climate Change In The Hkhmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review article: Inferring permafrost and permafrost thaw in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region

et al. 2017

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Abstract. The cryosphere reacts sensitively to climate change, as evidenced by the widespread retreat of mountain glaciers. Subsurface ice contained in permafrost is similarly affected by climate change, causing persistent impacts on natural and human systems. In contrast to glaciers, permafrost is not observable spatially and therefore its presence and possible changes are frequently overlooked. Correspondingly, little is known about permafrost in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, despite permafrost area exceeding that of glaciers in nearly all countries. Based on evidence and insight gained mostly in other permafrost areas globally, this review provides a synopsis on what is known or can be inferred about permafrost in the mountains of the HKH region. Given the extreme nature of the environment concerned, it is to be expected that the diversity of conditions and phenomena encountered in permafrost exceed what has previously been described and investigated. We further argue that climate change in concert with increasing development will bring about diverse permafrost-related impacts on vegetation, water quality, geohazards, and livelihoods. To better anticipate and mitigate these effects, a deepened understanding of high-elevation permafrost in subtropical latitudes as well as the pathways interconnecting environmental changes and human livelihoods are needed.

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“…Il peut en effet permettre une approche semi-quantitative des paléoclimats régionaux (par ex. Gorbunov, 1978 ;Haeberli, 1983Haeberli, , 1985Haeberli, , 1990Haeberli étal., 1993 ;Harris, 1981Harris, , 1989Washburn, 1979). De plus, son existence a pu avoir une influence capitale sur les modalités d'occupation du territoire par l'Homme préhistorique.…”

Section: Présence D'un Réseau De Grands Polygones Au Sud De L'estuairunclassified

Présence d’un réseau de grands polygones au sud de l’estuaire de la Gironde (France) : interprétation et implications paléoclimatiques

Texier¹

2007

gpq

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Une photographie aérienne prise à basse altitude a permis de repérer un réseau de grands polygones au sud de l'estuaire de la Gironde (France). Ses caractéristiques morphométriques ansi que celles de son contexte topographique et sédimentaire permettent d'exclure une origine liée à des phénomènes de dessiccation, de dissolution différentielle, d'haloturbation ou de tension. Il résulte vraisemblablement de contractions thermiques et constitue un nouveau témoignage de la présence d'un pergélisol en Médoc et dans les environs de Bordeaux (45° latitude Nord). Lors de son développement, vraisemblablement contemporain du dernier Pléniglaciaire, les températures moyennes annuelles de l'atmosphère ne devaient pas dépasser dans cette région -8°C.

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Permafrost Investigations in High-Mountain Regions

Cited by 64 publications

References 0 publications

Estimating Permafrost Distribution in the Maritime Southern Alps, New Zealand, Based on Climatic Conditions at Rock Glacier Sites

Estimating Permafrost Distribution in the Maritime Southern Alps, New Zealand, Based on Climatic Conditions at Rock Glacier Sites

Review article: Inferring permafrost and permafrost thaw in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region

Présence d’un réseau de grands polygones au sud de l’estuaire de la Gironde (France) : interprétation et implications paléoclimatiques

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