Recent Progress (2007–2012) in Permafrost Isotope Geochemistry

Lacelle, Denis; Vasil'chuk, Yurij K

doi:10.1002/ppp.1768

Cited by 23 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 63 publications

(76 reference statements)

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“…In particular, we focus on the potential and challenges of ice‐wedge paleoclimatology, and outline priorities for future research to improve the understanding of ice wedges as climate archives as well as ice‐wedge‐based reconstructions of past climate. The isotope geochemistry of ice wedges is reviewed by Lacelle and Vasil'chuk and their dynamics, structure and paleoenvironmental significance by Christiansen et al…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ice wedges as archives of winter paleoclimate: A review

Opel

Meyer

Wetterich

et al. 2018

Permafrost & Periglacial

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Ice wedges are a characteristic feature of northern permafrost landscapes and grow mainly by snowmelt that refreezes in thermal contraction cracks that open in winter. In high latitudes the stable‐isotope composition of precipitation (δ18O and δD) is sensitive to air temperature. Hence, the integrated climate information of winter precipitation is transferred to individual ice veins and can be preserved over millennia, allowing ice wedges to be used to reconstruct past winter climate. Recent studies indicate a promising potential of ice‐wedge‐based paleoclimate reconstructions for more comprehensive reconstructions of Arctic past climate evolution. We briefly highlight the potential and review the current state of ice‐wedge paleoclimatology. Existing knowledge gaps and challenges are outlined and priorities for future ice‐wedge research are suggested. The major research topics are (1) frost cracking and infilling dynamics, (2) formation and preservation of the stable‐isotope information, (3) ice‐wedge dating, (4) age‐model development and (5) interpretation of stable‐isotope time series. Progress in each of these topics will help to exploit the paleoclimatic potential of ice wedges, particularly in view of their unique cold‐season information, which is not adequately covered by other terrestrial climate archives.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ice wedges as archives of winter paleoclimate: A review

Opel

Meyer

Wetterich

et al. 2018

Permafrost & Periglacial

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“…In time, as surface vegetation recovers, permafrost aggradation can be observed, forming new cryostructures (e.g., ice lens/vein structures) with different geochemistry in near‐surface permafrost than before disturbance, depending on surface hydrology and thermal conditions during the change. In recent years, the isotope geochemistry of permafrost has increasingly been used to understand the origins of ground ice, water movement in the active layer, and near‐surface permafrost [ Lacelle and Vasil'chuk , ]. Cryostratigraphy (the stratigraphy of perennially frozen sediment and rock), meanwhile, is important information for determining the nature of the freezing process, the conditions under which frozen sediment accumulates, and the history of permafrost [ French and Shur , ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geomorphological and geochemistry changes in permafrost after the 2002 tundra wildfire in Kougarok, Seward Peninsula, Alaska

et al. 2016

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Geomorphological and thermohydrological changes to tundra, caused by a wildfire in 2002 on the central Seward Peninsula of Alaska, were investigated as a case study for understanding the response from ice‐rich permafrost terrain to surface disturbance. Frozen and unfrozen soil samples were collected at burned and unburned areas, and then water isotope geochemistry and cryostratigraphy of the active layer and near‐surface permafrost were analyzed to investigate past hydrological and freeze/thaw conditions and how this information could be recorded within the permafrost. The development of thermokarst subsidence due to ice wedge melting after the fire was clear from analyses of historical submeter‐resolution remote sensing imagery, long‐term monitoring of thermohydrological conditions within the active layer, in situ surveys of microrelief, and geochemical signals recorded in the near‐surface permafrost. The resulting polygonal relief coincided with depression lines along an underground ice wedge network, and cumulative subsidence to 2013 was estimated as at least 10.1 to 12.1 cm (0.9–1.1 cm/year 11 year average). Profiles of water geochemistry in the ground indicated mixing or replenishment of older permafrost water with newer meteoric water, as a consequence of the increase in active layer thickness due to wildfire or past thaw event. Our geocryological analysis of cores suggests that permafrost could be used to reconstruct the permafrost degradation history for the study site. Distinct hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions above the Global Meteoric Water Line were found for water from these sites where permafrost degradation with geomorphological change and prolonged surface inundation were suggested.

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“…In rapidly changing and sensitive mountain environments, permafrost niches can also provide special conditions allowing for the occurrence of biological refugia, which may include endemics and extremophiles of scientific significance (Hu et al, 2015;Jansson and Taş, 2014). Ice-rich permafrost and ground ice may also allow for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction (Lacelle and Vasil'chuk, 2013). Permafrost also plays a significant role for geomorphological dynamics in mountains, with a number of specific associated landforms and hazards linked to its warming and consequent thaw, such as rock falls and landslides (Haeberli et al, 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

New observations indicate the possible presence of permafrost in North Africa (Djebel Toubkal, High Atlas, Morocco)

2017

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Abstract. Relict and present-day periglacial features have been reported in the literature for the upper reaches of the High Atlas mountains, which is the highest range in North Africa (Djebel Toubkal -4167 m a.s.l.). A lobate feature in the Irhzer Ikhibi south at 3800 m a.s.l. has been previously interpreted as an active rock glacier, but no measurements of ground or air temperatures are known to exist for the area. In order to assess the possible presence of permafrost, we analyse data from June 2015 to June 2016 from two air temperature measurement sites at 2370 and 3210 m a.s.l. and from four ground surface temperature (GST) sites at 3220, 3815, 3980 and 4160 m a.s.l. to characterize conditions along an altitudinal gradient along the Oued Ihghyghaye valley to the summit of the Djebel Toubkal. GSTs were collected at 1 h intervals, and the presence of snow cover at the monitoring sites was validated using Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 imagery. Two field visits allowed for logger installation and collection and for assessing the geomorphological features in the area. The results show that snow plays a major role on the thermal regime of the shallow ground, inducing important spatial variability. The lowest site at 3220 m had a thermal regime characterized by frequent freeze-thaw cycles during the cold season but with few days of snow. When snow settled, the ground surface remained isothermal at 0 • C , indicating the absence of permafrost. The highest sites at 3980 and 4160 m a.s.l. showed very frequent freeze-thaw cycles and a small influence of the snow cover on GST, reflecting the lack of snow accumulation due to the wind-exposed settings on a ridge and on the summit plateau. The site located at 3815 m in the Irhzer Ikhibi south valley had a cold, stable thermal regime with GST varying from −4.5 to −6 • C from December to March, under a continuous snow cover.The site's location in a concave setting favours wind-driven snow accumulation and lower incoming solar radiation due to the shading effect of a ridge, inducing the conservation of a thick snow pack. The stable and low GSTs are interpreted as a strong indicator of the probable presence of permafrost at this site, which is an interpretation supported by the presence of lobate and arcuate features in the talus deposits. We present first results and further observations using geophysics, and borehole measurements are foreseen. This is the first time that probable permafrost has been reported from temperature observations in the mountains of North Africa.

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Recent Progress (2007–2012) in Permafrost Isotope Geochemistry

Cited by 23 publications

References 63 publications

Ice wedges as archives of winter paleoclimate: A review

Ice wedges as archives of winter paleoclimate: A review

Geomorphological and geochemistry changes in permafrost after the 2002 tundra wildfire in Kougarok, Seward Peninsula, Alaska

New observations indicate the possible presence of permafrost in North Africa (Djebel Toubkal, High Atlas, Morocco)

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