Evaluation of frozen ground conditions along a coastal topographic gradient at Byers Peninsula (Livingston Island, Antarctica) by geophysical and geoecological methods.

摘要: Abstract Geophysical surveying and geoelectrical methods are effective to study permafrost distribution conditions in polar environments. Geoelectrical particularly suited the spatial of because its high electrical resistivity comparison with that soil or rock above 0 °C. In South Shetland Islands is considered be discontinuous up elevations 20–40 m a.s.l., changing continuous at higher altitudes. There no specific data about Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, which largest ice-free area Islands. With purpose better understanding occurrence permanent frozen this area, a geophysical survey using an tomography (ERT) methodology was conducted during January 2015 field season, combined geomorphological ecological studies. Three overlapping tomographies 78 m each were done along same profile ran from coast highest raised beaches. The three model represents ground depths 13 m 158 m. Several patches found, interpreted as sporadic permafrost. lower limits confirmed by presence permafrost-related landforms nearby. close correspondence between moss transect.