Collaborative Research: Spatial and Temporal Variability of Ground Temperature and Thaw, Northern Alaska

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The project will examine in greater detail the depth of thawing of the soils in northern Alaska. Climate change is increasing the depth of thaw and eroding permafrost with concomitant impacts on vegetation, the hydrological balances, and human structures. This research will refine existing methods for mapping the depth of thaw on local and regional scales. The shallow thermal regime will be evaluated across a spectrum of spatial scales in order to elucidate the role of soil structure on heat transport. The impact of heavy snow loading on the thaw depth will be examined based on manipulative experiments. Also, the project will also examine the role of the heat island affect by a community in northern Alaska.