Permafrost: geocryological hazards and regional degradation of frozen soils
Abstract
Permafrost: geocryological hazards and regional degradation of frozen soils
Incoming article date: 13.06.2023Today, the problem of global climate change and the associated degradation of permafrost is a priority area of research. In the regions of the Far North, a change in temperature by half a degree contributes to the emergence of geocryological dangers: the appearance of ravines, thermokarst subsidence, heaving, the formation of residential ice and, as a result, the destruction of houses and infrastructure. In Russia, the permafrost zone occupies about 63-65% of its territory and extends for thousands of kilometers. Various engineering and geological impacts, including man-made ones, represent a serious geocryological hazard and can lead to degradation of frozen soils in various regions. Due to the rapid thawing of ice and climate change, collapses and voids form on frozen soils. Also, when thawing permafrost, a large amount of groundwater is formed and there is a risk of salinization of nearby water and coastal zones. This can lead to the loss of resources that are necessary for the life of the local population, as well as for the economy of the region. Despite the fact that there are numerous programs and studies on this topic, a huge amount of work has not yet been carried out in Russia to eliminate geocryological threats.
Keywords: Geocryology, permafrost, ground, frozen soil degradation, thawing, monitoring, Yakutia, cryolithozone, geocryological hazard