Articles | Volume 11, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-1311-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-1311-2017
Research article
 | 
06 Jun 2017
Research article |  | 06 Jun 2017

Numerical modelling of convective heat transport by air flow in permafrost talus slopes

Jonas Wicky and Christian Hauck

Data sets

PERMOS Database PERMOS, Swiss Permafrost Monitoring Network https://doi.org/10.13093/permos-2016-01

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Short summary
Talus slopes are a widespread geomorphic feature, which may show permafrost conditions even at low elevation due to cold microclimates induced by a gravity-driven internal air circulation. We show for the first time a numerical simulation of this internal air circulation of a field-scale talus slope. Results indicate that convective heat transfer leads to a pronounced ground cooling in the lower part of the talus slope favoring the persistence of permafrost.