Multi-Scale Characterization of Polar Permafrost Landscapes by Airborne and Satellite Remote Sensing and In-Situ Geophysical Measurements

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In the Arctic, a significant increase of the mean air and ground temperatures has been observed during the last decades. Impacts on the geo- and ecosystem of permafrost landscapes are already recognizable - such as the proliferation of shrub lands, or the increase of the active layer thickness. Considering the consequences ofchanging conditions for the environment, for man-made infrastructure and for the climate system, there is an urgent need to determine and continuously monitor parameters of the periglacial system area-wide. However, as the Arctic is vast and poorly inhabited, such data are sparse and their in-situ collection is expensive. In this context remote sensing provides a helpful technique for environmental research: Airborne and satellite imaging delivers cost-efficient remote sampling of surface properties over large areas. The aim of our project is the identification of interconnections between surface properties detectable by remote sensing instruments and subsurface properties characterizing the state of permafrost landscapes. Further, the findings will be used to conceptual models showing the surface and sub-surface interconnections. In order to achieve these goals we propose a multi-scale and multi-sensor approach, which will focus on eco- and geosystem interactions and scaling effects. On the one hand the project will make use of (1) coarse-resolution satellite spectrometers, (2) medium-resolution radar and multispectral satellite data and (3) high-resolution laser scanner, thermal and hyperspectral airborne data. One the other hand, subsurface parameters will be measured by means of physio-geographical and geophysical surveying: (1) in-situ expert mapping, (2) analyses of temperature and moisture logger data, (3) ground penetrating radar and (4) electrical resistivity imaging. We hypothesise that the relation of subsurface geophysical data and surface parameters captured by imaging remote sensing sensors allows the area wide recognition, identification and quantification of interactions between the different components of the periglacial system. Such comprehensive datasets, which allow detailed multi-variate statistical analysis regarding scaling effects and ecosystem interconnections, are extremely rare. As investigation areas we propose the Mackenzie Delta Region and the adjacent Peel Plateau. Both regions are located in north-western Canada and exhibit different permafrost dominated ecosystems on a small scale. Further, data on both regions were previously collected; data of in-situ field work and several satellite data of different sensors are available. Above all an airborne campaign was approved for this project. This mission will be financed and conducted by the Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Germany. The aircraft will be equipped with various instruments, e.g. an airborne GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar), a laser scanner, a hyperspectral camera and an infrared radiation thermometer.