Modelling spatial variability of periglacial processes based on a global monitoring network

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In periglacial environments, global climatic warming triggers degradation of permafrost and seasonal frost, which in turn, may destabilize mountain slopes and change earth surface conditions. Toward establishing a global network for monitoring periglacial processes, we aimed at constructing model experimental sites, standardizing monitoring techniques and expanding the monitoring network. The three-year project provided the following results.1. Monitoring at model experimental sites in High-Arctic Svalbard promoted improvement and standardization of techniques for frost wedging in bedrock, permafrost creep in talus slopes, frost heave and solifluction on soil slopes and thermal contraction cracking in lowlands, as well as revealed the timing and magnitude of these processes. A variety of geophysical sounding techniques permitted us to visualize the subsurface internal structure and 3-D distribution of ice/water in the ground. Coupling the results from monitoring and sounding, we developed models of the temporal and spatial variations in the periglacial processes.2. The monitoring network was expanded to a variety of periglacial environments in the world, ranging from polar regions (Antarctica and Alaska) to mid-latitude high mountains (Swiss and Japanese Alps, Tibet and Mongolia). The obtained data on frozen ground and periglacial processes enhanced the provisional models to be globally applicable models.3. Cryoturbation and weathering processes, which cannot be monitored directly, laboratory scale models enabled us to estimate the environmental conditions for the processes.4. Base of the above results we predicted future environmental changes associated with permafrost and seasonal frost degradation.