CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Brown, R.J.E.
Date : 1974
Title : Distribution and environmental relationships of permafrost
Publication : Permafrost Hydrology. Proceedings of Workshop Seminar, 1974. Canadian National Committee of The International Hydrological Decade
Issue :
Page(s) : 1-5
Abstract
Permafrost was defined and its extent, thickness, and other characteristics such as ground ice and temperature regime were examined. The effects of climatic and terrain factors on permafrost, including relief, vegetation, hydrology, and snow cover were discussed. Special problems in permafrost regions, as well as past and present investigations were reviewed. Fluctuations have occurred through time in the extent, thickness, and temperature of the permafrost in response to changes in climate and terrain. Since its initial formation, the permafrost in any area may have dissipated and re-formed several times during periods of climatic warming and cooling. Glacial history has had a marked effect on permafrost. Changes in vegetation caused by fire, climatic succession, encroachment in water basins, or by the permafrost itself all have pronounced local effects. The regime of the fall and accumulation of snow influences the ground thermal regime, as does the geothermal gradient, which varies in different types of soil and rock, with changes in geological structure and with time. Thus, the environment in which permafrost exists constitutes a complex dynamic system, the product of past and present climate and terrain features, which are in turn influenced by the permafrost. The thermal sensitivity of permafrost is such that even small changes in climate and/or terrain will produce changes in the extent, thickness, and temperature of the permafrost. The interactions of permafrost with these factors in northern Canada are varied and very complex. Even a slight change in one factor produces a change in another or several others.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology