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Buffering of sublimation loss of subsurface ice by percolating snowmelt: a theoretical analysis
Article first published online: 19 JUN 2009
DOI: 10.1002/ppp.646
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1099-1530/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=f898cd78f05cfbad7e6ca46f7ec1587b1af13b43 "Permafrost and Periglacial Processes")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Schorghofer, N. (2009), Buffering of sublimation loss of subsurface ice by percolating snowmelt: a theoretical analysis. Permafrost Periglac. Process., 20: 309–313. doi: 10.1002/ppp.646
Publication History
- Issue published online: 18 AUG 2009
- Article first published online: 19 JUN 2009
- Manuscript Revised: 17 MAR 2009
- Manuscript Accepted: 17 MAR 2009
- Manuscript Received: 30 OCT 2008
Funded by
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration through the NASA Astrobiology Institute. Grant Number: NNA04CC08A
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Antarctic Dry Valleys;
- mathematical geophysics;
- permafrost degradation;
- sublimation;
- ground ice
Abstract
Subsurface ice in cold hyperarid conditions retreats by sublimation and diffusion through the overlying soil layer. Here, it is shown that percolating meltwater, if present, can counterbalance sublimation loss effectively and thus increase the persistence time of subsurface ice. Time averaging of transport equations is used to evaluate the significance of percolation in an otherwise complex dynamical system. The reduction in sublimation loss is approximately given by the amount of meltwater multiplied by the percolation depth and divided by the depth to the ice table. It is plausible that percolation is even more effective during a warmer, wetter climate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.