Thermal characterization of the active layer at the Limnopolar Lake CALM-S site on Byers Peninsula (Livingston Island), Antarctica
Abstract
The Limnopolar Lake CALM-S site (A25) is the unique location on Byers peninsula where the active layer thickness is systematically monitorized (by mechanical probing during the thaw season and by temperature devices continuously since 2009). An air, surface, snow and ground temperature monitoring devices have been installed to monitor ground thermal behavior. We analyzed these data to present there the active layer thermal characterization. We use the air and ground mean daily temperature data to define the following parameters: maximum, minimum and mean temperatures at the air and at different depths, the zero annual thermal amplitude depths and position of the top of the permafrost table. The freezing and thawing seasons (defining their starting dates as well as their length), and the existence of zero curtain periods has been also established. We also derive apparent thermal diffusivity and plot thermograms to study the thermal behavior of the ground at different depths. After this complete thermal characterization of the active layer, we propose the potential existence of a~permafrost table at about 130 cm in depth as well as the transitional zone above it, and discuss the role of water in connection with the thermal behavior of the ground during the study period.
- Publication:
-
Solid Earth Discussions
- Pub Date:
- March 2014
- DOI:
- 10.5194/sed-6-679-2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014SolED...6..679D