Active layer dynamics in three topographically distinct lake catchments in Byers Peninsula (Livingston Island, Antarctica)

摘要: Abstract Topography exerts a key role in controlling permafrost distribution areas where mean annual temperatures are slightly negative. One such case is the low-altitude environments of Maritime Antarctica, sporadic to discontinuous below 20–40 m asl and continuous at higher active layer dynamics thus strongly conditioned by geomorphological setting. In January 2014 we installed three sites for monitoring across Byers Peninsula (Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands) elevations between 45 100 m. The situated lake catchments (lakes Escondido, Cerro Negro, Domo) that have different topographical conditions. Our objective was examine topography microclimatic conditions determining thermal regime order identify factors control geomorphic processes these catchments. At each site set loggers monitor air temperature (AT), snow thickness (SwT) soil (ST) down 80 cm depth. Mean (MAAT) showed similar values (− 2.7 − 2.6 °C) whereas varying thicknesses ground controlled properties cover duration, which influenced local topography. Geomorphological operating catchment scale lacustrine sedimentation processes, both dependent on combination climatic Therefore, interpretation sediment records from lakes requires be taken into account properly isolate geomorphological, environmental signals preserved records.