CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Harris, S.A.
Date : 1981.
Title : Climatic relationships of permafrost zones in areas of low winter snow cover
Publication : Arctic
Issue : 34:
Page(s) : 64-70
Abstract
This paper discusses a new method of climatic prediction for specific conditions which are fairly widespread in permafrost regions. It then examines the spatial variation of some climatic data from semi-desert to permafrost regions in parts of western North America. In areas with under 50 cm snow cover in winter, the permafrost zones show diagnostic long term freezing indices and thawing indices. The warmer boundary of the zone of continuous permafrost traverses the mean annual air temperature (MAAT) isotherm. The boundary between discontinuous and sporadic permafrost lies just on the cold side of zero degrees centigrade MAAT. The sporadic permafrost zone includes the zone of ice caves and the regions with patches of ice beneath ponds and peat bogs, extending to 5 degrees C MAAT at a thawing index of 4000 degree days per year. The relationship is applicable to Norway, Iceland, Spitzbergen, Canada and the People's Republic of Mongolia
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology