P e r m a f r o s t
Definition
Permafrost is a widespread and important phenomenon in the subsurface of high alpine areas.
It is defined as ground material that remains at temperatures at or below 0 °C for more than one year.
The occurrence of mountain permafrost is a consequence of climatic conditions, in particular air temperature, and ground characteristics.
Mountain permafrost is mainly relevant for high-mountain infrastructure,
the stability of steep mountain slopes, its use as a climate archive, and the evolution of the alpine landscape.
The figure below shows a schematic plot of the most important terms related to permafrost:
Selected Articles about Permafrost
- Book chapter on mountain permafrost that provides an introduction to the topic and a review of recent scientific progress:
Gruber, S. and Haeberli, W. 2009. Mountain permafrost. In: Permafrost Soils, edited by: Margesin, R., Biology Series Vol. 16, Springer, 33-44, doi: 10.1007/978-3-540-69371-0_3.
[link] - Review paper on monitoring and modeling permafrost and climate in Europe:
Harris, C., et al. 2009. Permafrost and climate in Europe: Monitoring and modelling thermal, geomorphological and geotechnical responses, Earth-Science Reviews, doi:10.1016/j.earscirev.2008.12.002.
[link] - Permafrost map of Switzerland (BAFU)
[pdf] - Overview article on mountain permafrost (in German):
Noetzli, J. and Gruber, S. 2005. Alpiner Permafrost – ein Überblick. In: Lintzmeyer, K. (Ed.), Jahrbuch des Vereins zum Schutz der Bergwelt, Selbstverlag, Munich, 111-121.
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