Research Article

Syngenetic permafrost growth: cryostratigraphic observations from the CRREL tunnel near Fairbanks, Alaska

  1. Y. Shur1,*,
  2. H. M. French2,
  3. M. T. Bray1,
  4. D. A. Anderson3

Article first published online: 30 NOV 2004

DOI: 10.1002/ppp.486

Issue

Permafrost and Periglacial Processes

Permafrost and Periglacial Processes

Volume 15, Issue 4, pages 339–347, October/December 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Shur, Y., French, H. M., Bray, M. T. and Anderson, D. A. (2004), Syngenetic permafrost growth: cryostratigraphic observations from the CRREL tunnel near Fairbanks, Alaska. Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, 15: 339–347. doi: 10.1002/ppp.486

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, USA

  2. 2

    Departments of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

  3. 3

    Corps of Engineers, US Army Cold Region Research Engineering Laboratory, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA

*Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-5900, USA.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 30 NOV 2004
  2. Article first published online: 30 NOV 2004
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 25 JAN 2004
  4. Manuscript Revised: 10 JAN 2004
  5. Manuscript Received: 25 JUL 2003

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Keywords:

  • syngenetic permafrost;
  • cryostructures;
  • ground ice;
  • thermokarst;
  • Alaska

Abstract

Syngenetic permafrost forms when alluvial, aeolian and/or colluvial sediment accumulates under cold-climate conditions. Observations from within the CRREL permafrost tunnel near Fairbanks, Alaska, indicate that layered, lenticular-layered and micro-lenticular cryogenic structures are characteristic of this type of permafrost. In contrast, reticulate cryogenic structures indicate local thaw modification. During the growth of syngenetic permafrost, episodes of thermokarst erosion may operate preferentially along ice wedges leading to the development of gullies and tunnels in the near-surface sediments. The local thaw unconformities that result are inferred by the recognition of thermokarst-cave ice (‘pool’ ice), and various soil and ice pseudomorphs. These may be regarded as further characteristics of syngenetic permafrost growth. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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