The mathematical modelling of salinity changes in ice and frozen soil as a result of thermal variations

Abstract

A mathematical model makes it possible to estimate the stability of soils in permafrost, the origin of different forms of underground ice, and pingo formation in several parts of the surface in the permafrost. The cryogenic formation of pingos, which is very widespread in permafrost areas, is investigated in the paper. The velocity and height of pingo growth depend on the total moisture content in soil, the type of soil, the initial salinity and the climate conditions. This problem is addressed using equations of Stefan’s heat problem, filtration and salt diffusion and equations for water pressure, with water moving to the phase boundary under different hydrostatic and osmotic pressures.