Permafrost Distribution in Irregular Terrain

这项研究是发展一种数学方法的第一步。 预测永久冻土分布的模型 （永久冻土）在不规则的地形面积大（数百 数千平方英里）。 永久冻土分布现在可以 仅由昂贵且耗时的钻孔和地下 现场温度测量，特别是 在崎岖的地形中耐火。 纳尔逊教授和奥特卡特教授是 开发一种将地形气候（近地面） 冻融度日数的测量 永久冻土层 如果他们成功地测量了地形气候 准确地建立关系，永久冻土发生， 将从容易获得的地形气候测量中推断出来。 我们 了解永久冻土形成的基本过程 并且发生率也将增加。 他们漫长的第一阶段- 学期计划将测试他们的仪器和测量， 实验室和现场条件。

This research is a first step toward developing a mathematical model that will predict the distribution of permanently frozen soil (permafrost) in areas of irregular terrain over large areas (hundreds and thousands of square miles). Permafrost distribution can now be determined only by expensive and time-consuming boring and subsurface temperature measurements in the field, processes which are especially refractory in rugged terrain. Professors Nelson and Outcalt are developing a means for linking topoclimatic (near-ground-level) measurements of freezing and thawing degree-day sums to the occurrence of permafrost. If they are successful in measuring topoclimate accurately and in establishing the relationship, permafrost occurrence will be deducible from easily-obtained topoclimatic measurements. Our understanding of the basic processes involved in permafrost formation and occurrence will also be increased. This first stage of their long- term project will test their instruments and measurements under laboratory and field conditions.