Ground temperature and permafrost distribution in Hurd Peninsula (Livingston Island, Maritime Antarctic): an assessment using freezing indexes and TTOP modelling

摘要: Abstract The Western Antarctic Peninsula region shows mean annual air temperatures ranging from − 4 to − 2 °C. Due its proximity the climatic threshold of permafrost, and evidence recent changes in regional temperatures, this is a crucial area analyse climate-ground interactions. Freezing indexes n-factors contrasting topographic locations Hurd (Livingston Island) are analysed assess influence snow cover on soil's thermal regime. pack duration, thickness physical properties key determining characteristics spatial distribution permafrost. Temperature at Top Of Permafrost (TTOP) model uses freezing thawing indexes, conductivity ground, as factors representing ground-atmosphere interactions provides framework understand permafrost conditions distribution. Eight sites were used calculate TTOP evaluate accuracy. They encompass different geological, morphological selected identify site-specific ground regime controls. Data was collected seasons 2007 2009 for air, surface well thickness. results located between 140 275 m a.s.l very close observational data, with differences varying 0.05 0.4 °C, which smaller than instrumental error. 36 m a.s.l confirm that absent low altitude offsets rock areas show values 0.01 0.48 °C indicating small effect latent heat, advection.