Earth’s Cryosphere, 2024, Vol. XXVIII, No. 3, p. 17-28.
GEOCRYOLOGICAL MONITORING AND FORECAST
PERMAFROST TEMPERATURE IN THE UPPER KOLYMA HIGHLAND ACCORDING TO DATA OF THERMOMETRIC BOREHOLES 2021–2022
O.M. Makarieva1,2,*, D.A. Abramov3, A.A. Zemlianskova1,2, A.A. Ostashov2, N.V. Nesterova2
1 North-Eastern State University, Portovaya St. 13, Magadan, 685000 Russia
2 St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, 199034 Russia
3 Earth Cryosphere Institute, Tyumen Scientific Centre, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Malygina St. 86, Tyumen, 625026 Russia
*Corresponding author; e-mail: omakarieva@yandex.ru
This study is aimed at a preliminary analysis of ground temperature data from ten thermometric boreholes drilled and equipped by the authors in the Upper Kolyma Highland (Magadan region) in 2021–2022. The boreholes of up to 15 m in depth are located in characteristic landscapes (rocky talus, mountainous tundra, larch woodland, river valleys) of the highland at heights from 618 to 1182 m a.s.l. Continuous monitoring of ground temperatures with a time step of 4 h was carried out. Data on the mean annual ground temperatures, seasonal thawing/freezing depths, and the depths of zero annual amplitude were obtained. The mean annual ground temperature varied from –0.1 to –3.8°C. The depth of seasonal thawing ranged from 0.9 to 2.6 m. The depth of zero annual amplitudes was 11.5 and 13 m in two boreholes. Two boreholes located in talik zones recorded the freezing depth of 2.6 and 3.6 m. Ground temperature regimes within the same region differed significantly depending on landscape conditions: elevation, landform, composition of the rock, character of vegetation, and other factors. Based on the data obtained, it is planned to further develop the geocryological monitoring network in the Magadan region. For some of the boreholes, full annual cycle of observations on ground and air temperatures, precipitation, and snow cover depth is available. As information on the state of permafrost in the territory under consideration is absent, publication of the obtained data of relatively short-term observations is relevant and timely.
Keywords: frozen ground, seasonal thawing/freezing layer, ground temperature regime, the Upper Kolyma Highland, talik.
Recommended citation: Makarieva O.M., Abramov D.A., Zemlianskova A.A., Ostashov A.A., Nesterova N.V., 2024. Permafrost temperature in the Upper Kolyma Highland according to data of thermometric boreholes 2021–2022. Earth’s Cryosphere XXVIII (3), 17–28.
Received May 30, 2023
Revised April 18, 2024
Accepted April 18, 2024
Translated by A.V. Muravyev