« The use of topoclimatic data to derive ground surface temperature during winter equilibrium period : permafrost distribution prediction of the Combeynot Massif, French Alps » (original) (raw)

Permafrost Investigations with Gis Ð a Case Study in the Fletschhorn Area, Wallis, Swiss Alps

1998

To quantify the impact of predicted climatic change on the distribution of Alpine permafrost it is vital to know its present-day conditions and distribution patterns. This knowledge will allow comparisons with the situation in the future. In the study area, an inventory of periglacial landforms Ð such as rock glaciers, perennial snow patches and spring temperatures Ð has been established from interpretation of aerial photographs and field analyses. All data were integrated into a GIS-System. The field data were then used as indicators to verify two existing digital permafrost models. The evaluation of the models showed that they correspond well with the empirical data at high altitudes, whereas the accuracy of the estimations diminishes towards lower altitudes. Especially at a local scale, further information such as seismic soundings, geo-electrical measurements etc., is needed to make exact statements about the local permafrost distribution.