Multi-scale geophysical mapping of deep permafrost change after disturbance in interior Alaska, USA

Burke J. Minsley; Benjamin R. Bloss; Brian A. Ebel; David Matthew Rey; Michelle A. Walvoord; Dana R.N. Brown; Ronald Daanen; Abraham M. Emond; M. Andy Kass; Neal J. Pastick; Bruce Wylie

USGS · 70217691

Multi-scale geophysical mapping of deep permafrost change after disturbance in interior Alaska, USA

Burke J. Minsley·Benjamin R. Bloss·Brian A. Ebel·David Matthew Rey·Michelle A. Walvoord·Dana R.N. Brown·Ronald Daanen·Abraham M. Emond·M. Andy Kass·Neal J. Pastick·Bruce Wylie

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Abstract

Disturbance related to fire or hydrologic processes can cause degradation of deep (greater than 1 m) permafrost. These changes in deep permafrost have the potential to impact landscapes and infrastructure, alter the routing and distribution of surface water or groundwater, and may contribute to the flux of carbon to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. However, characterization of deep permafrost over large areas and with high spatial resolution is not possible with traditional remote sensing or surface observations. We make use of multiple ground-based and airborne geophysical methods, as well as numerical simulations, to better understand the distribution of permafrost and how it has changed after disturbance. Together, these geophysical datasets help to fill a critical gap in understanding permafrost landscapes and their response to disturbance.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 61.10078883158897° to 66.99025646736109° latitude; -155.65429687499997° to -141.1083984375° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Burke J. Minsley, Benjamin R. Bloss, Brian A. Ebel, David Matthew Rey, Michelle A. Walvoord, Dana R.N. Brown, Ronald Daanen, Abraham M. Emond, M. Andy Kass, Neal J. Pastick, Bruce Wylie. 2018. Multi-scale geophysical mapping of deep permafrost change after disturbance in interior Alaska, USA. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70217691

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