Earth`s Cryosphere, 2019, Vol. XXIII, № 2, p. 74-80
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF PERMAFROST IN THE LAPTEV
SEA COAST: EVIDENCE FROM RADIOWAVE MEASUREMENTS
Yu.B. Bashkuev, M.G. Dembelov, V.B. Khaptanov
Institute of Physical Materials Sciences, SB RAS,
6, Sakhyanova str., Ulan-Ude, 670047, Russia; buddich@mail.ru
The electrical properties of permafrost in the Arctic coast near the Tiksi Bay have been studied by VLF to MF radio-frequency impedance soundings combined with VHF–UHF georadar surveys. The subsurface in the area shows heterogeneous geoelectrical patterns with variations according to lithology and particle size distribution. More heterogeneity is due to the presence of ice wedges and lenses of saline groundwater (cryopegs), as well as to flow of supra- and intra-permafrost waters. Joint interpretation of radio-frequency impedance and GPR data provide constraints on the shallow subsurface structure in the Arctic coast in the vicinity of Tiksi and on particular electrical properties of cryopegs. The properties of permafrost revealed by surveys at low and medium RF bands are included into the geoelectrical database for layered permafrost.
Geoelectrical section, radio-frequency impedance sounding, ground-penetrating radar, cryopegs