Articles | Volume 16, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1903-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1903-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Spectral induced polarization imaging to investigate an ice-rich mountain permafrost site in Switzerland
Theresa Maierhofer
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Geophysics Research Division, Department of Geodesy and Geoinformation, TU Wien, Vienna, 1040,
Austria
Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, 1700,
Switzerland
Christian Hauck
Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, 1700,
Switzerland
Christin Hilbich
Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, 1700,
Switzerland
Andreas Kemna
Geophysics Section, Institute of Geosciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53121, Germany
Adrián Flores-Orozco
Geophysics Research Division, Department of Geodesy and Geoinformation, TU Wien, Vienna, 1040,
Austria
Related authors
Theresa Maierhofer, Adrian Flores Orozco, Nathalie Roser, Jonas K. Limbrock, Christin Hilbich, Clemens Moser, Andreas Kemna, Elisabetta Drigo, Umberto Morra di Cella, and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 18, 3383–3414, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3383-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3383-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we apply an electrical method in a high-mountain permafrost terrain in the Italian Alps, where long-term borehole temperature data are available for validation. In particular, we investigate the frequency dependence of the electrical properties for seasonal and annual variations along a 3-year monitoring period. We demonstrate that our method is capable of resolving temporal changes in the thermal state and the ice / water ratio associated with seasonal freeze–thaw processes.
Tamara Mathys, Muslim Azimshoev, Zhoodarbeshim Bektursunov, Christian Hauck, Christin Hilbich, Murataly Duishonakunov, Abdulhamid Kayumov, Nikolay Kassatkin, Vassily Kapitsa, Leo C. P. Martin, Coline Mollaret, Hofiz Navruzshoev, Eric Pohl, Tomas Saks, Intizor Silmonov, Timur Musaev, Ryskul Usubaliev, and Martin Hoelzle
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2795, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2795, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study provides a comprehensive geophysical dataset on permafrost in the data-scarce Tien Shan and Pamir mountain regions of Central Asia. It also introduces a novel modeling method to quantify ground ice content across different landforms. The findings indicate that this approach is well-suited for characterizing ice-rich permafrost, which is crucial for evaluating future water availability and assessing risks associated with thawing permafrost.
Cassandra E.M. Koenig, Christin Hilbich, Christian Hauck, Lukas U. Arenson, and Pablo Wainstein
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2244, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2244, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents an analysis of ground temperature data from 53 high-altitude boreholes in permafrost regions of the Central Andes. Results show that thermal characteristics of the region align with other mountain permafrost areas, while also showing unique features. The dataset could improve permafrost models and monitoring efforts, and inform mitigation strategies. The study highlights a notable collaboration between industry, academia, and regulators for advancing climate change research.
Mohammad Farzamian, Teddi Herring, Gonçalo Vieira, Miguel Angel de Pablo, Borhan Yaghoobi Tabar, and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 18, 4197–4213, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4197-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4197-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
An automated electrical resistivity tomography (A-ERT) system was developed and deployed in Antarctica to monitor permafrost and active-layer dynamics. The A-ERT, coupled with an efficient processing workflow, demonstrated its capability to monitor real-time thaw depth progression, detect seasonal and surficial freezing–thawing events, and assess permafrost stability. Our study showcased the potential of A-ERT to contribute to global permafrost monitoring networks.
Theresa Maierhofer, Adrian Flores Orozco, Nathalie Roser, Jonas K. Limbrock, Christin Hilbich, Clemens Moser, Andreas Kemna, Elisabetta Drigo, Umberto Morra di Cella, and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 18, 3383–3414, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3383-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3383-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we apply an electrical method in a high-mountain permafrost terrain in the Italian Alps, where long-term borehole temperature data are available for validation. In particular, we investigate the frequency dependence of the electrical properties for seasonal and annual variations along a 3-year monitoring period. We demonstrate that our method is capable of resolving temporal changes in the thermal state and the ice / water ratio associated with seasonal freeze–thaw processes.
Clemens Moser, Umberto Morra di Cella, Christian Hauck, and Adrián Flores Orozco
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1444, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1444, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We quantify hydrogeological properties in an active rock glacier by using electrical conductivity and induced polarization in an imaging framework and we used geophysical monitoring to track tracer test injections. The water content is spatially variable, and the water can move rapidly with a velocity in the range of cm/s through the active layer of the rock glacier. Hydrogeological parameters were linked to kinematic data to investigate the role of water content on rock glacier movement.
Julie Wee, Sebastián Vivero, Tamara Mathys, Coline Mollaret, Christian Hauck, Christophe Lambiel, Jan Beutel, and Wilfried Haeberli
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1283, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1283, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study highlights the importance of a multi-method and multidisciplinary approach to better understand the influence of the internal structure of the Gruben glacier forefield-connected rock glacier and adjacent debris-covered glacier on their driving thermo-mechanical processes and associated surface dynamics. We were able to discriminate glacial from periglacial processes as their spatio-temporal patterns of surface dynamics and geophysical signatures are (mostly) different.
Wilfried Haeberli, Lukas U. Arenson, Julie Wee, Christian Hauck, and Nico Mölg
The Cryosphere, 18, 1669–1683, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-1669-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-1669-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Rock glaciers in ice-rich permafrost can be discriminated from debris-covered glaciers. The key physical phenomenon relates to the tight mechanical coupling between the moving frozen body at depth and the surface layer of debris in the case of rock glaciers, as opposed to the virtually inexistent coupling in the case of surface ice with a debris cover. Contact zones of surface ice with subsurface ice in permafrost constitute diffuse landforms beyond either–or-type landform classification.
Bernd Etzelmüller, Ketil Isaksen, Justyna Czekirda, Sebastian Westermann, Christin Hilbich, and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 17, 5477–5497, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-5477-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-5477-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Permafrost (permanently frozen ground) is widespread in the mountains of Norway and Iceland. Several boreholes were drilled after 1999 for long-term permafrost monitoring. We document a strong warming of permafrost, including the development of unfrozen bodies in the permafrost. Warming and degradation of mountain permafrost may lead to more natural hazards.
Johannes Buckel, Jan Mudler, Rainer Gardeweg, Christian Hauck, Christin Hilbich, Regula Frauenfelder, Christof Kneisel, Sebastian Buchelt, Jan Henrik Blöthe, Andreas Hördt, and Matthias Bücker
The Cryosphere, 17, 2919–2940, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-2919-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-2919-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study reveals permafrost degradation by repeating old geophysical measurements at three Alpine sites. The compared data indicate that ice-poor permafrost is highly affected by temperature warming. The melting of ice-rich permafrost could not be identified. However, complex geomorphic processes are responsible for this rather than external temperature change. We suspect permafrost degradation here as well. In addition, we introduce a new current injection method for data acquisition.
Adrian Wicki, Peter Lehmann, Christian Hauck, and Manfred Stähli
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1059–1077, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-1059-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-1059-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Soil wetness measurements are used for shallow landslide prediction; however, existing sites are often located in flat terrain. Here, we assessed the ability of monitoring sites at flat locations to detect critically saturated conditions compared to if they were situated at a landslide-prone location. We found that differences exist but that both sites could equally well distinguish critical from non-critical conditions for shallow landslide triggering if relative changes are considered.
Maximilian Weigand, Egon Zimmermann, Valentin Michels, Johan Alexander Huisman, and Andreas Kemna
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 413–433, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-413-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-413-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The construction, operation and analysis of a spectral electrical
impedance tomography (sEIT) field monitoring setup with high spatial and temporal resolution are presented. Electromagnetic induction errors are corrected, allowing the recovery of images of in-phase conductivity and electrical polarisation of up to 1 kHz.
Karianne S. Lilleøren, Bernd Etzelmüller, Line Rouyet, Trond Eiken, Gaute Slinde, and Christin Hilbich
Earth Surf. Dynam., 10, 975–996, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-975-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-975-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
In northern Norway we have observed several rock glaciers at sea level. Rock glaciers are landforms that only form under the influence of permafrost, which is frozen ground. Our investigations show that the rock glaciers are probably not active under the current climate but most likely were active in the recent past. This shows how the Arctic now changes due to climate changes and also how similar areas in currently colder climates will change in the future.
Tamara Mathys, Christin Hilbich, Lukas U. Arenson, Pablo A. Wainstein, and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 16, 2595–2615, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-2595-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-2595-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
With ongoing climate change, there is a pressing need to understand how much water is stored as ground ice in permafrost. Still, field-based data on permafrost in the Andes are scarce, resulting in large uncertainties regarding ground ice volumes and their hydrological role. We introduce an upscaling methodology of geophysical-based ground ice quantifications at the catchment scale. Our results indicate that substantial ground ice volumes may also be present in areas without rock glaciers.
Christin Hilbich, Christian Hauck, Coline Mollaret, Pablo Wainstein, and Lukas U. Arenson
The Cryosphere, 16, 1845–1872, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1845-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1845-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
In view of water scarcity in the Andes, the significance of permafrost as a future water resource is often debated focusing on satellite-detected features such as rock glaciers. We present data from > 50 geophysical surveys in Chile and Argentina to quantify the ground ice volume stored in various permafrost landforms, showing that not only rock glacier but also non-rock-glacier permafrost contains significant ground ice volumes and is relevant when assessing the hydrological role of permafrost.
Martin Hoelzle, Christian Hauck, Tamara Mathys, Jeannette Noetzli, Cécile Pellet, and Martin Scherler
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 14, 1531–1547, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-1531-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-1531-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
With ongoing climate change, it is crucial to understand the interactions of the individual heat fluxes at the surface and within the subsurface layers, as well as their impacts on the permafrost thermal regime. A unique set of high-altitude meteorological measurements has been analysed to determine the energy balance at three mountain permafrost sites in the Swiss Alps, where data have been collected since the late 1990s in collaboration with the Swiss Permafrost Monitoring Network (PERMOS).
Bernd Etzelmüller, Justyna Czekirda, Florence Magnin, Pierre-Allain Duvillard, Ludovic Ravanel, Emanuelle Malet, Andreas Aspaas, Lene Kristensen, Ingrid Skrede, Gudrun D. Majala, Benjamin Jacobs, Johannes Leinauer, Christian Hauck, Christin Hilbich, Martina Böhme, Reginald Hermanns, Harald Ø. Eriksen, Tom Rune Lauknes, Michael Krautblatter, and Sebastian Westermann
Earth Surf. Dynam., 10, 97–129, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-97-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-10-97-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This paper is a multi-authored study documenting the possible existence of permafrost in permanently monitored rockslides in Norway for the first time by combining a multitude of field data, including geophysical surveys in rock walls. The paper discusses the possible role of thermal regime and rockslide movement, and it evaluates the possible impact of atmospheric warming on rockslide dynamics in Norwegian mountains.
Adrian Wicki, Per-Erik Jansson, Peter Lehmann, Christian Hauck, and Manfred Stähli
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4585–4610, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4585-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4585-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Soil moisture information was shown to be valuable for landslide prediction. Soil moisture was simulated at 133 sites in Switzerland, and the temporal variability was compared to the regional occurrence of landslides. We found that simulated soil moisture is a good predictor for landslides, and that the forecast goodness is similar to using in situ measurements. This encourages the use of models for complementing existing soil moisture monitoring networks for regional landslide early warning.
Timea Katona, Benjamin Silas Gilfedder, Sven Frei, Matthias Bücker, and Adrian Flores-Orozco
Biogeosciences, 18, 4039–4058, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4039-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4039-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We used electrical geophysical methods to map variations in the rates of microbial activity within a wetland. Our results show that the highest electrical conductive and capacitive properties relate to the highest concentrations of phosphates, carbon, and iron; thus, we can use them to characterize the geometry of the biogeochemically active areas or hotspots.
Christian Halla, Jan Henrik Blöthe, Carla Tapia Baldis, Dario Trombotto Liaudat, Christin Hilbich, Christian Hauck, and Lothar Schrott
The Cryosphere, 15, 1187–1213, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-1187-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-1187-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In the semi-arid to arid Andes of Argentina, rock glaciers contain invisible and unknown amounts of ground ice that could become more important in future for the water availability during the dry season. The study shows that the investigated rock glacier represents an important long-term ice reservoir in the dry mountain catchment and that interannual changes of ground ice can store and release significant amounts of annual precipitation.
Matthias Bücker, Adrián Flores Orozco, Jakob Gallistl, Matthias Steiner, Lukas Aigner, Johannes Hoppenbrock, Ruth Glebe, Wendy Morales Barrera, Carlos Pita de la Paz, César Emilio García García, José Alberto Razo Pérez, Johannes Buckel, Andreas Hördt, Antje Schwalb, and Liseth Pérez
Solid Earth, 12, 439–461, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-439-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-439-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We use seismic, electromagnetic, and geoelectrical methods to assess sediment thickness and lake-bottom geology of two karst lakes. An unexpected drainage event provided us with the unusual opportunity to compare water-borne measurements with measurements carried out on the dry lake floor. The resulting data set does not only provide insight into the specific lake-bottom geology of the studied lakes but also evidences the potential and limitations of the employed field methods.
Maximilian Weigand, Florian M. Wagner, Jonas K. Limbrock, Christin Hilbich, Christian Hauck, and Andreas Kemna
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 317–336, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-317-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-317-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
In times of global warming, permafrost is starting to degrade at alarming rates, requiring new and improved characterization approaches. We describe the design and test installation, as well as detailed data quality assessment, of a monitoring system used to capture natural electrical potentials in the subsurface. These self-potential signals are of great interest for the noninvasive investigation of water flow in the non-frozen or partially frozen subsurface.
Mohammad Farzamian, Gonçalo Vieira, Fernando A. Monteiro Santos, Borhan Yaghoobi Tabar, Christian Hauck, Maria Catarina Paz, Ivo Bernardo, Miguel Ramos, and Miguel Angel de Pablo
The Cryosphere, 14, 1105–1120, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-1105-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-1105-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
A 2-D automated electrical resistivity tomography (A-ERT) system was installed for the first time in Antarctica at Deception Island to (i) monitor subsurface freezing and thawing processes on a daily and seasonal basis and map the spatial and temporal variability of thaw depth and to (ii) study the impact of short-lived extreme meteorological events on active layer dynamics.
Coline Mollaret, Christin Hilbich, Cécile Pellet, Adrian Flores-Orozco, Reynald Delaloye, and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 13, 2557–2578, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-2557-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-2557-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We present a long-term multisite electrical resistivity tomography monitoring network (more than 1000 datasets recorded from six mountain permafrost sites). Despite harsh and remote measurement conditions, the datasets are of good quality and show consistent spatio-temporal variations yielding significant added value to point-scale borehole information. Observed long-term trends are similar for all permafrost sites, showing ongoing permafrost thaw and ground ice loss due to climatic conditions.
Jan Mudler, Andreas Hördt, Anita Przyklenk, Gianluca Fiandaca, Pradip Kumar Maurya, and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 13, 2439–2456, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-2439-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-2439-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The capacitively coupled resistivity (CCR) method enables the determination of frequency-dependent electrical parameters of the subsurface. CCR is well suited for application in cryospheric areas because it provides logistical advantages regarding coupling on hard surfaces and highly resistive grounds. With our new spectral two-dimensional inversion, we can identify subsurface structures based on full spectral information. We show the first results of the inversion method on the field scale.
Matthias Steiner, Florian M. Wagner, and Adrian Flores Orozco
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2019-52, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2019-52, 2019
Revised manuscript not accepted
Sathyanarayan Rao, Félicien Meunier, Solomon Ehosioke, Nolwenn Lesparre, Andreas Kemna, Frédéric Nguyen, Sarah Garré, and Mathieu Javaux
Biogeosciences Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2018-280, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2018-280, 2018
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
This paper illustrates the impact of electrical property of maize root segments on the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) inversion results with the help of numerical model. The model includes explicit root representation in the finite element mesh with root growth, transpiration and root water uptake. We show that, ignoring root segments could lead to wrong estimation of water content using ERT method.
Martin Beniston, Daniel Farinotti, Markus Stoffel, Liss M. Andreassen, Erika Coppola, Nicolas Eckert, Adriano Fantini, Florie Giacona, Christian Hauck, Matthias Huss, Hendrik Huwald, Michael Lehning, Juan-Ignacio López-Moreno, Jan Magnusson, Christoph Marty, Enrique Morán-Tejéda, Samuel Morin, Mohamed Naaim, Antonello Provenzale, Antoine Rabatel, Delphine Six, Johann Stötter, Ulrich Strasser, Silvia Terzago, and Christian Vincent
The Cryosphere, 12, 759–794, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-759-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-759-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
This paper makes a rather exhaustive overview of current knowledge of past, current, and future aspects of cryospheric issues in continental Europe and makes a number of reflections of areas of uncertainty requiring more attention in both scientific and policy terms. The review paper is completed by a bibliography containing 350 recent references that will certainly be of value to scholars engaged in the fields of glacier, snow, and permafrost research.
Benjamin Mewes, Christin Hilbich, Reynald Delaloye, and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 11, 2957–2974, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-2957-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-2957-2017, 2017
Cécile Pellet and Christian Hauck
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 3199–3220, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3199-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3199-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This paper presents a detailed description of the new Swiss soil moisture monitoring network SOMOMOUNT, which comprises six stations distributed along an elevation gradient ranging from 1205 to 3410 m. The liquid soil moisture (LSM) data collected during the first 3 years are discussed with regard to their soil type and climate dependency as well as their altitudinal distribution. The elevation dependency of the LSM was found to be non-linear with distinct dynamics at high and low elevation.
Jonas Wicky and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 11, 1311–1325, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-1311-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-1311-2017, 2017
Short summary
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.
Klaus Haaken, Gian Piero Deidda, Giorgio Cassiani, Rita Deiana, Mario Putti, Claudio Paniconi, Carlotta Scudeler, and Andreas Kemna
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 1439–1454, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1439-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1439-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The paper presents a general methodology that will help understand how freshwater and saltwater may interact in natural porous media, with a particular view at practical applications such as the storage of freshwater underground in critical areas, e.g., semi-arid zones around the Mediterranean sea. The methodology is applied to a case study in Sardinia and shows how a mix of advanced monitoring and mathematical modeling tremendously advance our understanding of these systems.
Maximilian Weigand and Andreas Kemna
Biogeosciences, 14, 921–939, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-921-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-921-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Root systems are essential in nutrient uptake and translocation, but are difficult to characterize non-invasively with existing methods. We propose electrical impedance tomography (EIT) as a new tool for the imaging and monitoring of crop root systems. In a laboratory experiment we demonstrate the capability of the method to capture physiological responses of root systems with high spatial and temporal resolution. We conclude that EIT is a promising functional imaging technique for crop roots.
Antoine Marmy, Jan Rajczak, Reynald Delaloye, Christin Hilbich, Martin Hoelzle, Sven Kotlarski, Christophe Lambiel, Jeannette Noetzli, Marcia Phillips, Nadine Salzmann, Benno Staub, and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 10, 2693–2719, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-2693-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-2693-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This paper presents a new semi-automated method to calibrate the 1-D soil model COUP. It is the first time (as far as we know) that this approach is developed for mountain permafrost. It is applied at six test sites in the Swiss Alps. In a second step, the calibrated model is used for RCM-based simulations with specific downscaling of RCM data to the borehole scale. We show projections of the permafrost evolution at the six sites until the end of the century and according to the A1B scenario.
G. Blöschl, A. P. Blaschke, M. Broer, C. Bucher, G. Carr, X. Chen, A. Eder, M. Exner-Kittridge, A. Farnleitner, A. Flores-Orozco, P. Haas, P. Hogan, A. Kazemi Amiri, M. Oismüller, J. Parajka, R. Silasari, P. Stadler, P. Strauss, M. Vreugdenhil, W. Wagner, and M. Zessner
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 227–255, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-227-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-227-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
This paper illustrates the experimental and monitoring set-up of the 66 ha Hydrological Open Air Laboratory (HOAL) in Petzenkirchen, Lower Austria, which allows meaningful hypothesis testing. The HOAL catchment features a range of different runoff generation processes (surface runoff, springs, tile drains, wetlands), and is convenient from a logistic point of view as all instruments can be connected to the power grid and a high-speed glassfibre local area network.
A. Ekici, S. Chadburn, N. Chaudhary, L. H. Hajdu, A. Marmy, S. Peng, J. Boike, E. Burke, A. D. Friend, C. Hauck, G. Krinner, M. Langer, P. A. Miller, and C. Beer
The Cryosphere, 9, 1343–1361, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-9-1343-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-9-1343-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
This paper compares the performance of different land models in estimating soil thermal regimes at distinct cold region landscape types. Comparing models with different processes reveal the importance of surface insulation (snow/moss layer) and soil internal processes (heat/water transfer). The importance of model processes also depend on site conditions such as high/low snow cover, dry/wet soil types.
P. Pogliotti, M. Guglielmin, E. Cremonese, U. Morra di Cella, G. Filippa, C. Pellet, and C. Hauck
The Cryosphere, 9, 647–661, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-9-647-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-9-647-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents the thermal state and recent evolution of permafrost at Cime Bianche.
The analysis reveals that (i) spatial variability of MAGST is greater than its interannual variability and is controlled by snow duration and air temperature during the snow-free period, (ii) the ALT has a pronounced spatial variability caused by a different subsurface ice and water content, and (iii) permafrost is warming at significant rates below 8m of depth.
B. Staub, A. Marmy, C. Hauck, C. Hilbich, and R. Delaloye
Geogr. Helv., 70, 45–62, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-45-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-45-2015, 2015
A. Ekici, C. Beer, S. Hagemann, J. Boike, M. Langer, and C. Hauck
Geosci. Model Dev., 7, 631–647, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-7-631-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-7-631-2014, 2014
M. Scherler, S. Schneider, M. Hoelzle, and C. Hauck
Earth Surf. Dynam., 2, 141–154, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-2-141-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-2-141-2014, 2014
S. Schneider, S. Daengeli, C. Hauck, and M. Hoelzle
Geogr. Helv., 68, 265–280, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-265-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-265-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Discipline: Frozen ground | Subject: Field Studies
Spectral induced polarization imaging to monitor seasonal and annual dynamics of frozen ground at a mountain permafrost site in the Italian Alps
Spring-water temperature suggests widespread occurrence of Alpine permafrost in pseudo-relict rock glaciers
Brief communication: Alternation of thaw zones and deep permafrost in the cold climate conditions of the East Siberian Mountains, Suntar-Khayata Range
Brief communication: Combining borehole temperature, borehole piezometer and cross-borehole electrical resistivity tomography measurements to investigate seasonal changes in ice-rich mountain permafrost
Contrasting geophysical signatures of a relict and an intact Andean rock glacier
First investigation of perennial ice in Winter Wonderland Cave, Uinta Mountains, Utah, USA
Soil respiration of alpine meadow is controlled by freeze–thaw processes of active layer in the permafrost region of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Theresa Maierhofer, Adrian Flores Orozco, Nathalie Roser, Jonas K. Limbrock, Christin Hilbich, Clemens Moser, Andreas Kemna, Elisabetta Drigo, Umberto Morra di Cella, and Christian Hauck
The Cryosphere, 18, 3383–3414, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3383-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3383-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we apply an electrical method in a high-mountain permafrost terrain in the Italian Alps, where long-term borehole temperature data are available for validation. In particular, we investigate the frequency dependence of the electrical properties for seasonal and annual variations along a 3-year monitoring period. We demonstrate that our method is capable of resolving temporal changes in the thermal state and the ice / water ratio associated with seasonal freeze–thaw processes.
Luca Carturan, Giulia Zuecco, Angela Andreotti, Jacopo Boaga, Costanza Morino, Mirko Pavoni, Roberto Seppi, Monica Tolotti, Thomas Zanoner, and Matteo Zumiani
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2689, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2689, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Pseudo-relict rock glaciers look visually relict but contain patches of permafrost. They are poorly known in terms of permafrost content, spatial distribution and frequency. Here we use spring-water temperature for a preliminary estimate of the permafrost presence in the rock glaciers of a 795 km2 catchment in the Italian Alps. The results show that ~50 % of rock glaciers classified as relict might be pseudo-relict and might contain ~30 % of the ice stored in the rock glaciers in the study area.
Robert Sysolyatin, Sergei Serikov, Anatoly Kirillin, Andrey Litovko, and Maxim Sivtsev
The Cryosphere, 17, 4601–4608, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-4601-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-4601-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Permafrost conditions of the East Siberian Mountains are poorly known because of the severe climate, extreme terrain, and farness and scarcity of data. The ground temperature regime plays a key role in mountainous regions, influencing the environment, slope stability, geomorphological processes and hydrological processes. We present the results of recent examinations of the permafrost thickness variations, temperature regime of thaw zones (taliks) and permafrost of the Suntar-Khayata Range.
Marcia Phillips, Chasper Buchli, Samuel Weber, Jacopo Boaga, Mirko Pavoni, and Alexander Bast
The Cryosphere, 17, 753–760, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-753-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-753-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A new combination of temperature, water pressure and cross-borehole electrical resistivity data is used to investigate ice/water contents in an ice-rich rock glacier. The landform is close to 0°C and has locally heterogeneous characteristics, ice/water contents and temperatures. The techniques presented continuously monitor temporal and spatial phase changes to a depth of 12 m and provide the basis for a better understanding of accelerating rock glacier movements and future water availability.
Giulia de Pasquale, Rémi Valois, Nicole Schaffer, and Shelley MacDonell
The Cryosphere, 16, 1579–1596, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1579-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1579-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We presented a geophysical study of one intact and one relict rock glacier in semi-arid Chile. The interpretation of the collected data through different methods identifies geophysical signature differences between the two rock glaciers and characterizes their subsurface structure and composition. This is of great importance because of rock glaciers' relevant role in freshwater production, transfer and storage, especially in this area of increasing human pressure and high rainfall variability.
Jeffrey S. Munroe
The Cryosphere, 15, 863–881, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-863-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-863-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigated a cave in Utah (USA) that contains a deposit of perennial ice. Such ice caves are important sources of information about past climate and are currently threatened by rising temperatures. The origin (precipitation), thickness (3 m), and age (several centuries) of the ice were constrained by a variety of methods. Liquid water recently entered the cave for the first time in many years, suggesting a destabilization of the cave environment.
Junfeng Wang, Qingbai Wu, Ziqiang Yuan, and Hojeong Kang
The Cryosphere, 14, 2835–2848, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-2835-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-2835-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The active layer, a buffer between permafrost and the atmosphere, is more sensitive and responds more quickly to climate change. How the freeze–thaw action at different stages regulates carbon emissions is still unclear. We conducted 2-year continuous in situ measurements in an alpine meadow permafrost ecosystem in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and found the freeze–thaw process modified the Rs dynamics differently in different stages. Results suggest great changes in freeze–thaw process patterns.
Cited articles
Abdulsamad, F., Revil, A., Ghorbani, A., Toy, V., Kirilova, M., Coperey, A., Duvillard, P. A., Ménard, G., and Ravanel, L.: Complex conductivity of graphitic schists and sandstones, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 124, 8223–8249, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JB017628, 2019.
Arenson, L. U. and Jakob, M.: The significance of rock glaciers in the dry
Andes – A discussion of Azócar and Brenning (2010) and Brenning and
Azócar (2010), Permafr. Periglac. Process., 21, 282–285,
https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.693, 2010.
Auty, R. P. and Cole, R. H.: Dielectric properties of ice and solid D2O, J.
Chem. Phys., 20, 1309–1314, https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1700726, 1952.
Bazin, S., Lysdahl, A., Olaus Harstad, A., and Frauenfelder, R.: Resistivity
and Induced Polarization (ERT/IP) survey for bedrock mapping in Permafrost,
Svalbard, 25th Eur. Meet. Environ. Eng. Geophys. Held Near Surf. Geosci.
Conf. Exhib. 2019, NSG 2019, The Hague, The Netherlands, 8–12 September 2019, 1–5,
https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.201902362, 2019.
Bing, Z. and Greenhalgh, S. A.: Cross-hole resistivity tomography using different electrode configurations, Geophys. Prospect., 48, 887–912, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2478.2000.00220.x, 2000.
Binley, A. and Kemna, A.: DC Resistivity and Induced Polarization Methods,
in: Hydrogeophysics, Water Science and Technology Library book series, volume 50, edited by: Rubin, Y. and Hubbard, S. S., pp. 129–156, https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3102-5_5,
2005.
Binley, A. and Slater, L.: Resistivity and Induced Polarization: theory and
Applications to the Near-Surface Earth, Cambridge, United Kingdom, New York,
USA, New Delhi, India, ISBN 9781108685955, https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108685955, 2020.
Binley, A., Ramirez, A., and Daily, W.: Regularised Image Reconstruction of
Noisy Electrical Resistance Tomography Data, in: Proceedings of the 4th
Workshop of the European Concerted Action on process Tomography, Bergen, 6–8 April 1995, pp.
401–410, http://www.es.lancs.ac.uk/people/amb/Publications/pdfs/Binley_et_al_1995.pdf (last access: 17 May 2022), 1995.
Binley, A., Slater, L. D., Fukes, M., and Cassiani, G.: Relationship between
spectral induced polarization and hydraulic properties of saturated and
unsaturated sandstone, Water Resour. Res., 41, W12417,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2005WR004202, 2005.
Binley, A., Kruschwitz, S., Lesmes, D., and Kettridge, N.: Exploiting the
temperature effects on low frequency electrical spectra of sandstone: A
comparison of effective diffusion path lengths, Geophysics, 75, 10–13,
https://doi.org/10.1190/1.3483815, 2010.
Binley, A., Hubbard, S. S., Huisman, J. A., Revil, A., Robinson, D. A., Singha, K., and Slater, L. D.: The emergence of hydrogeophysics for improved understanding of subsurface processes over multiple scales, Water Resour. Res., 51, 3837–3866, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015WR017016, 2015.
Biskaborn, B. K., Smith, S. L., Noetzli, J., Matthes, H., Vieira, G., Streletskiy, D. A., Schoeneich, P., Romanovsky, V. E., Lewkowicz, A. G., Abramov, A., Allard, M., Boike, J., Cable, W. L., Christiansen, H. H., Delaloye, R., Diekmann, B., Drozdov, D., Etzelmüller, B., Grosse, G., Guglielmin, M., Ingeman-Nielsen, T., Isaksen, K., Ishikawa, M., Johansson, M., Johannsson, H., Joo, A., Kaverin, D., Kholodov, A., Konstantinov, P., Kröger, T., Lambiel, C., Lanckman, J. P., Luo, D., Malkova, G., Meiklejohn, I., Moskalenko, N., Oliva, M., Phillips, M., Ramos, M., Sannel, A. B. K., Sergeev, D., Seybold, C., Skryabin, P., Vasiliev, A., Wu, Q., Yoshikawa, K., Zheleznyak, M., and Lantuit, H.: Permafrost is warming at a global scale, Nat. Commun., 10, 264, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-08240-4, 2019.
Bittelli, M., Flury, M., and Roth, K.: Use of dielectric spectroscopy to
estimate ice content in frozen porous media, Water Resour. Res., 40,
W04212, https://doi.org/10.1029/2003WR002343, 2004.
Bücker, M., Flores Orozco, A., Undorf, S., and Kemna, A.: On the Role of
Stern- and Diffuse-Layer Polarization Mechanisms in Porous Media, J.
Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea., 124, 5656–5677, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JB017679,
2019.
Coperey, A., Revil, A., Abdulsamad, F., Stutz, B., Duvillard, P. A., and
Ravanel, L.: Low-Frequency Induced Polarization of Porous Media Undergoing
Freezing: Preliminary Observations and Modeling, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol.
Ea., 124, 4523–4544, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB017015, 2019.
Dahlin, T., Leroux, V., and Nissen, J.: Measuring techniques in induced
polarisation imaging, J. Appl. Geophys., 50, 279–298,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0926-9851(02)00148-9, 2002.
Dash, J. G., Rempel, A. W., and Wettlaufer, J. S.: The physics of premelted
ice and its geophysical consequences, Rev. Mod. Phys., 78, 695–741,
https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.78.695, 2006.
Delaloye, R.: Contribution à l'étude du pergélisol de montagne en zone marginale, PhD Thesis, Department of Geosciences–Geography, University of Fribourg, https://folia.unifr.ch/unifr/documents/299916 (last access: 17 May 2022), 2004.
Delaloye, R. and Lambiel, C.: Evidence of winter ascending air circulation
throughout talus slopes and rock glaciers situated in the lower belt of
alpine discontinuous permafrost (Swiss Alps), Nor. Geogr. Tidsskr., 59,
194–203, https://doi.org/10.1080/00291950510020673, 2005.
Delaloye, R., Reynard, E., and Lambiel, C.: Pergélisol et construction
de remontées mécaniques: l'exemple des Lapires (Mont-Gelé,
Valais), Le gel en géotechnique, Publications de la Société
Suisse de Mécanique des Sols et des Roches, 141, 103–113, 2001.
Doetsch, J., Ingeman-Nielsen, T., Christiansen, A. V., Fiandaca, G., Auken,
E., and Elberling, B.: Direct current (DC) resistivity and induced
polarization (IP) monitoring of active layer dynamics at high temporal
resolution, Cold Reg. Sci. Technol., 119, 16–28,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2015.07.002, 2015.
Dukhin, S. S., Shilov, V. N., and Bikerman, J. J.: Dielectric Phenomena and
Double Layer in Disperse Systems and Polyelectrolytes, J. Electrochem. Soc.,
121, 154C, https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2402374, 1974.
Duvillard, P., Magnin, F., Revil, A., Legay, A., Ravanel, L., Abdulsamad, F.,
and Coperey, A.: Temperature distribution in a permafrost-affected rock
ridge from conductivity and induced polarization tomography, Geophys. J.
Int., 225, 1207–1221, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggaa597, 2021.
Duvillard, P. A., Revil, A., Qi, Y., Soueid Ahmed, A., Coperey, A., and
Ravanel, L.: Three-Dimensional Electrical Conductivity and Induced
Polarization Tomography of a Rock Glacier, J. Geophys. Res.-Sol. Ea.,
123, 9528–9554, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB015965, 2018.
Flores Orozco, A., Williams, K. H., Long, P. E., Hubbard, S. S., and Kemna,
A.: Using complex resistivity imaging to infer biogeochemical processes
associated with bioremediation of an uranium-contaminated aquifer, J.
Geophys. Res.-Biogeo., 116, G03001, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010JG001591, 2011.
Flores Orozco, A., Kemna, A., and Zimmermann, E.: Data error quantification
in spectral induced polarization imaging, Geophysics, 77,
E227–E237, https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2010-0194.1, 2012.
Flores Orozco, A., Williams, K. H., and Kemna, A.: Time-lapse spectral
induced polarization imaging of stimulated uranium bioremediation, Near
Surf. Geophys., 11, 531–544, https://doi.org/10.3997/1873-0604.2013020, 2013.
Flores Orozco, A., Bücker, M., Steiner, M., and Malet, J.-P.:
Complex-conductivity imaging for the understanding of landslide
architecture, Eng. Geol., 243, 241–252,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2018.07.009, 2018.
Flores Orozco, A., Kemna, A., Binley, A., and Cassiani, G.: Analysis of
time-lapse data error in complex conductivity imaging to alleviate
anthropogenic noise for site characterization, Geophysics, 84,
B181–B193, https://doi.org/10.1190/GEO2017-0755.1, 2019.
Flores Orozco, A., Aigner, L., and Gallistl, J.: Investigation of cable
effects in spectral induced polarization imaging at the field scale using
multicore and coaxial cables, Geophysics, 86, E59–E75,
https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2019-0552.1, 2021.
Grimm, R. E. and Stillman, D. E.: Field test of detection and
characterisation of subsurface ice using broadband spectral-induced
polarisation, Permafr. Periglac. Process., 26, 28–38,
https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1833, 2015.
Günther, T. and Martin, T.: Spectral two-dimensional inversion of
frequency-domain induced polarization data from a mining slag heap, J. Appl.
Geophys., 135, 436–448, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2016.01.008, 2016.
Haeberli, W., Huder, J., Keusen, H.-R., Pika, J., and Röthlisberger, H.:
Core drilling through rock glacier-permafrost, in: Proceedings of the Fifth
International Conference on Permafrost, 2–5th August 1988, Trondheim, Norway, pp. 937–942, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wilfried-Haeberli/publication/245800726_Core_drilling_through_rock_glacier_permafrost/links/5a535051458515e7b72ea12c/Core-drilling-through-rock-glacier-permafrost.pdf (last access: 17 May 2022), 1988.
Halla, C., Blöthe, J. H., Tapia Baldis, C., Trombotto Liaudat, D., Hilbich, C., Hauck, C., and Schrott, L.: Ice content and interannual water storage changes of an active rock glacier in the dry Andes of Argentina, The Cryosphere, 15, 1187–1213, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-1187-2021, 2021.
Harrington, J. S., Mozil, A., Hayashi, M., and Bentley, L. R.: Groundwater
flow and storage processes in an inactive rock glacier, Hydrol. Process.,
32, 3070–3088, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.13248, 2018.
Harris, S., French, H., Heginbottom, J. A., Johnston, G. H., Ladanyi, B.,
Sego, D., and Van Everdingen, R. O.: Glossary of Permafrost and Related
Ground-Ice Terms, National Research Council of Canada, Technical Report, 159
pp., https://doi.org/10.4224/20386561, 1988.
Hauck, C.: Frozen ground monitoring using DC resistivity tomography,
Geophys. Res. Lett., 29, 10–13, https://doi.org/10.1029/2002GL014995, 2002.
Hauck, C.: New Concepts in Geophysical Surveying and Data Interpretation for
Permafrost Terrain, Permafr. Periglac. Process., 137, 131–137,
https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1774, 2013.
Hauck, C. and Kneisel, C.: Applied geophysics in periglacial
environments, Cambridge University Press, 256 pp., ISBN 9780511535628, https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511535628, 2008.
Hauck, C., Böttcher, M., and Maurer, H.: A new model for estimating subsurface ice content based on combined electrical and seismic data sets, The Cryosphere, 5, 453–468, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-5-453-2011, 2011.
Hausmann, H., Krainer, K., Brückl, E., and Mostler, W.: Internal structure and ice content of Reichenkar rock glacier (Stubai Alps, Austria) assessed by geophysical investigations, Permafr. Periglac. Process.,
18, 351–367, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.601, 2007.
Hilbich, C.: Time-lapse refraction seismic tomography for the detection of ground ice degradation, The Cryosphere, 4, 243–259, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-4-243-2010, 2010.
Hilbich, C., Hauck, C., Hoelzle, M., Scherler, M., Schudel, L., Völksch,
I., Vonder Mühll, D., and Mäusbacher, R.: Monitoring mountain
permafrost evolution using electrical resistivity tomography: A 7-year study
of seasonal, annual, and long-term variations at Schilthorn, Swiss Alps, J.
Geophys. Res.-Earth, 113, F01S90, https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JF000799, 2008.
Hilbich, C., Marescot, L., Hauck, C., Loke, M. H., and Mäusbacher, R.:
Applicability of Electrical Resistivity Tomography Monitoring to Coarse
Blocky and Ice-rich Permafrost Landforms, Permafr. Periglac. Process., 20,
269–284, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.652, 2009.
Hobbs, P. V.: Ice Physics, Clarendon, Oxford, 837 pp., ISBN 978-0-19-958771-1,
1974.
Hördt, A., Bücker, M., Bairlein, K., Bielefeld, A., Kuhn, E.,
Nordsiek, S., and Stebner, H.: The dependence of induced polarization on
fluid salinity and pH, studied with an extended model of membrane
polarization, J. Appl. Geophys., 135, 408–417,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2016.02.007, 2016.
Huisman, J. A., Zimmermann, E., Esser, O., Haegel, F.-H., Treichel, A., and
Vereecken, H.: Evaluation of a novel correction procedure to remove
electrode impedance effects from broadband SIP measurements, J. Appl.
Geophys., 135, 466–473, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2015.11.008, 2016.
Kemna, A.: Tomographic inversion of complex resistivity: Theory and
application, PhD thesis, Ruhr-University of Bochum, ISBN 3-934366-92-9, 2000.
Kemna, A., Binley, A., Cassiani, G., Niederleithinger, E., Revil, A.,
Slater, L., Williams, K. H., Orozco, A. F., Haegel, F. H., Hördt, A.,
Kruschwitz, S., Leroux, V., Titov, K., and Zimmermann, E.: An overview of the
spectral induced polarization method for near-surface applications, Near
Surf. Geophys., 10, 453–468, https://doi.org/10.3997/1873-0604.2012027, 2012.
Kemna, A., Weigand, M., and Zimmermann, E.: Resistivity and SIP response of
rocks during freezing and thawing, in: Proceedings of the 3rd International Workshop on Induced Polarization, Ile d’Oléron, France, 6–9 April 2014, https://ip.geosciences.mines-paristech.fr/s1_kemna (last access: 17 May 2022), 2014a.
Kemna, A., Huisman, J. A., Zimmermann, E., Martin, R., Zhao, Y., Treichel,
A., Flores-Orozco, A., and Fechner, T.: Broadband Electrical Impedance
Tomography for Subsurface Characterization Using Improved Corrections of
Electromagnetic Coupling and Spectral Regularization, in: Tomography of the Earth’s Crust: From
Geophysical Sounding to Real-Time Monitoring, Springer, pp. 1–20
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04205-3_1,
2014b.
Kenner, R., Noetzli, J., Hoelzle, M., Raetzo, H., and Phillips, M.: Distinguishing ice-rich and ice-poor permafrost to map ground temperatures and ground ice occurrence in the Swiss Alps, The Cryosphere, 13, 1925–1941, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-1925-2019, 2019.
Keuschnig, M., Krautblatter, M., Hartmeyer, I., Fuss, C., and Schrott, L.:
Automated Electrical Resistivity Tomography Testing for Early Warning in
Unstable Permafrost Rock Walls Around Alpine Infrastructure, Permafr.
Periglac. Process., 28, 158–171, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1916, 2017.
Krainer, K., Bressan, D., Dietre, B., Haas, J. N., Hajdas, I., Lang, K.,
Mair, V., Nickus, U., Reidl, D., Thies, H., and Tonidandel, D.: A
10,300-year-old permafrost core from the active rock glacier Lazaun,
southern Ötztal Alps (South Tyrol, northern Italy), Quaternary Res., 83,
324–335, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yqres.2014.12.005, 2014.
Krautblatter, M., Verleysdonk, S., Flores Orozco, A., and Kemna, A.:
Temperature – calibrated imaging of seasonal changes in permafrost rock
walls by quantitative electrical resistivity tomography (Zugspitze, German/Austrian Alps), J. Geophys. Res., 115, F02003,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JF001209, 2010.
LaBrecque, D. J. and Ward, S. H.: Two-Dimensional Cross-Borehole Resistivity
Model Fitting, Geotech. Environ. Geophys., 3, 51–74, 1990.
LaBrecque, D. J., Miletto, M., Daily, W., Ramirez, A., and Owen, E.: The
effects of noise on Occam's inversion of resistivity tomography data,
Geophysics, 61, 538–548, https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1443980, 1996.
Lambiel, C.: Le pergélisol dans les terrains sédimentaires à
forte déclivité: distribution, régime thermique et
instabilités, Travaux et recherches, Vol. 33, Institut de Géographie, University of Lausanne, 260 pp., https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Christophe-Lambiel/publication/33683076
(last access: 17 May 2022), 2006.
Langston, G., Bentley, L. R., Hayashi, M., Mcclymont, A., and Pidlisecky, A.:
Internal structure and hydrological functions of an alpine proglacial
moraine, Hydrol. Process., 25, 2967–2982, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.8144, 2011.
Leroy, P., Revil, A., Kemna, A., Cosenza, P., and Ghorbani, A.: Complex
conductivity of water-saturated packs of glass beads, J. Colloid Interface
Sci., 321, 103–117, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2007.12.031, 2008.
Lesparre, N., Nguyen, F., Kemna, A., Robert, T., Hermans, T., Daoudi, M., and
Flores Orozco, A.: A new approach for time-lapse data weighting in
electrical resistivity tomography, Geophysics, 82, E325–E333,
https://doi.org/10.1190/GEO2017-0024.1, 2017.
Limbrock, J. K., Weigand, M., and Kemna, A.: Textural and mineralogical
controls on temperature dependent SIP behavior during freezing and thawing,
EGU General Assembly 2021, online, 19–30 Apr 2021, EGU21-14273,
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu21-14273, 2021.
Loke, M. and Barker, R.: Rapid least-squares inversion of apparent resistivity pseudosections by a quasi-Newton method, Geophys. Prospect., 44, 131–152, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2478.1996.tb00142.x, 1996 (code available at: https://www.aarhusgeosoftware.dk/download-resxdinv, last access: 18 May 2022).
Maierhofer, T., Hauck, C., Hilbich, C., and Flores-Orozco, A.: Spectral Induced Polarization Applied at Different Mountain Permafrost Sites in the European Alps, NSG2021 1st Conference on Hydrogeophysics, European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers, Bordeaux, France, 29 August–2 September 2021, vol. 2021, pp. 1–5, https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202120172, 2021.
Marmy, A., Rajczak, J., Delaloye, R., Hilbich, C., Hoelzle, M., Kotlarski, S., Lambiel, C., Noetzli, J., Phillips, M., Salzmann, N., Staub, B., and Hauck, C.: Semi-automated calibration method for modelling of mountain permafrost evolution in Switzerland, The Cryosphere, 10, 2693–2719, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-2693-2016, 2016.
Marshall, D. J. and Madden, T. R.: Induced Polarization, a study of its
causes, Geophysics, 24, 790–816, https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1438659, 1959.
Martin, T., Günther, T., Flores Orozco, A., and Dahlin, T.: Evaluation of
spectral induced polarization fi eld measurements in time and frequency
domain, J. Appl. Geophys., 180, 104141, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2020.104141,
2020.
McKenzie, J. M., Voss, C. I., and Siegel, D. I.: Groundwater flow with energy
transport and water-ice phase change: Numerical simulations, benchmarks, and
application to freezing in peat bogs, Adv. Water Resour., 30, 966–983,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advwatres.2006.08.008, 2007.
Menke, W.: Geophysical data analysis: Discrete inverse theory, 4th edn., Academic Press, Inc., Orlando, 260 pp., ISBN 978-0-12-813555-6, 1984.
Mollaret, C., Hilbich, C., Pellet, C., Flores-Orozco, A., Delaloye, R., and Hauck, C.: Mountain permafrost degradation documented through a network of permanent electrical resistivity tomography sites, The Cryosphere, 13, 2557–2578, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-2557-2019, 2019.
Mollaret, C., Wagner, F. M., Hilbich, C., Scapozza, C., and Hauck, C.:
Petrophysical Joint Inversion Applied to Alpine Permafrost Field Sites to
Image Subsurface Ice, Water, Air, and Rock Contents, Front. Earth Sci.,
8, 1–25, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.00085, 2020.
Morelli, G. and LaBrecque, D. J.: Robust scheme for ERT inverse modelling, 9th EEGS Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems Conference, Keystone, Colorado, USA, 28 April–2 May 1996, SEG, 629–638, https://doi.org/10.4133/1.2922327, 1996.
Mudler, J., Hördt, A., Przyklenk, A., Fiandaca, G., Maurya, P. K., and Hauck, C.: Two-dimensional inversion of wideband spectral data from the capacitively coupled resistivity method – first applications in periglacial environments, The Cryosphere, 13, 2439–2456, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-2439-2019, 2019.
Oldenborger, G. A. and LeBlanc, A. M.: Monitoring changes in unfrozen water
content with electrical resistivity surveys in cold continuous permafrost,
Geophys. J. Int., 215, 965–977, https://doi.org/10.1093/GJI/GGY321, 2018.
Oldenburg, D. W. and Li, Y.: Inversion of induced polarization data, Geophysics, 59, 1327–1341, https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1443692, 1994.
Olhoeft, G. R.: Electrical properties of natural clay permafrost, Can. J.
Earth Sci., 14, 16–24, 1977.
Parkhomenko, E. I.: Electrical Resistivity of Minerals and Rocks at High
Temperature and Pressure, Rev. Geophys. Sp. Phys., 20, 193–218, 1982.
Pelton, W., Ward, S., Hallof, P., Sill, W., and Nelson, P.: Mineral
discrimination and removal of inductive coupling with multifrequency IP,
Geophysics, 43, 497–638, https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1440839, 1978.
PERMOS: PERMOS Database, Swiss Permafrost Monitoring Network, Fribourg
and Davos, Switzerland [data set], https://doi.org/10.13093/permos-2019-01, 2019.
PERMOS: PERMOS Database, Swiss Permafrost Monitoring Network, Fribourg
and Davos, Switzerland [data set], http://www.permos.ch/doi/permos-2021-01.html (last access: 17 May 2022), 2021.
Rangecroft, S., Suggitt, A. J., Anderson, K., and Harrison, S.: Future
climate warming and changes to mountain permafrost in the Bolivian Andes,
Climatic Change, 137, 231–243, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-016-1655-8, 2016.
Revil, A.: Spectral induced polarization of shaly sands: Influence of the
electrical double layer, Water Resour. Res., 48, W02517,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2011WR011260, 2012.
Revil, A.: Effective conductivity and permittivity of unsaturated porous
materials in the frequency range 1 mHz–1 GHz, Water Resour. Res., 49, 306–327, https://doi.org/10.1029/2012WR012700, 2013a.
Revil, A.: On charge accumulation in heterogeneous porous rocks under the
influence of an external electric field, Geophysics, 78, 1JA-Z103,
https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2012-0503.1, 2013b.
Revil, A. and Florsch, N.: Determination of permeability from spectral
induced polarization in granular media, Geophys. J. Int., 181,
1480–1498, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.2010.04573.x, 2010.
Revil, A. and Glover, P. W. J.: Nature of surface electrical conductivity in
natural sands, sandstones, and clays, Geophys. Res. Lett., 25, 691–694,
1998.
Revil, A. and Skold, M.: Salinity dependence of spectral induced
polarization in sands and sandstones, Geophys. J. Int., 187, 813–824,
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.2011.05181.x, 2011.
Revil, A., Koch, K., and Holliger, K.: Is it the grain size or the
characteristic pore size that controls the induced polarization relaxation
time of clean sands and sandstones?, Water Resour. Res., 48, W05602,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2011WR011561, 2012.
Revil, A., Razdan, M., Julien, S., Coperey, A., Abdulsamad, F., Ghorbani,
A., Gasquet, D., Sharma, R., and Rossi, M.: Induced polarization response of
porous media with metallic particles – Part 9: Influence of permafrost,
Geophysics, 84, E337–E355, https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2019-0013.1, 2019.
Scapozza, C.: Stratigraphie, morphodynamique, paléoenviron-nements des
terrains sédimentaires meubles à forte déclivité dudomaine
périglaciaire alpin (Géovisions no. 40), PhD Thesis, University of
Lausanne, 580 pp., ISBN 978-2-940368-16-7,
http://www.unil.ch/igul/page96426.html (last access: 17 May 2022), 2013.
Scapozza, C., Baron, L., and Lambiel, C.: Borehole logging in alpine
periglacial talus slopes (Valais, Swiss Alps), Permafr. Periglac. Process.,
26, 67–83, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1832, 2015.
Scapozza, C., Lambiel, C., Abbet, D., Delaloye, R., and Hilbich, C.: Internal
structure and permafrost characteristics of the Lapires talus slope (Nendaz,
Valais), 8th Swiss Geoscience Meeting 2010, Fribourg, Switzerland,
19–20 November 2010, Extended Abstract 7.16, 166–167, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313192421_Internal_structure_and_permafrost_characteristics_of_the_Lapires_talus_slope_Nendaz_Valais_8th_Swiss_Geoscience_Meeting_2010_Fribourg_Switzerland_19-20_November_2010 (last access: 17 May 2022), 2010.
Schneider, S., Hoelzle, M., and Hauck, C.: Influence of surface and subsurface heterogeneity on observed borehole temperatures at a mountain permafrost site in the Upper Engadine, Swiss Alps, The Cryosphere, 6, 517–531, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-6-517-2012, 2012.
Schrott, L.: The hydrological significance of high mountain permafrost and
its relation to solar radiation. A case study in the high andes of San Juan,
Argentina, Bamberger Geogr. Schriften, Bd. 15, 71–84, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lothar-Schrott/publication/284339606 (last access: 17 May 2022), 1998.
Schwarz, G.: A theory of the low-frequency dielectric dispersion of
colloidal particles in electrolyte solution, J. Phys. Chem., 66,
2636–2642, https://doi.org/10.1021/j100818a067, 1962.
Scott, W. J., Sellmann, P. V., and Hunter, J. A.: 13. Geophysics in
the study of permafrost, in: Geotechnical and Environmental Geophysics, edited by:
Ward, S. H., Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Tulsa, OK, 355–384, https://doi.org/10.1190/1.9781560802785.ch13, 1990.
Slater, L. and Binley, A.: Synthetic and field-based electrical imaging of a
zerovalent iron barrier: Implications for monitoring long-term barrier
performance, Geophysics, 71, B129–B137, https://doi.org/10.1190/1.2235931, 2006.
Slater, L., Binley, A. M., Daily, W., and Johnson, R.: Cross-hole electrical
imaging of a controlled saline tracer injection, J. Appl. Geophys., 44,
85–102, 2000.
Son, J.-S., Kim, J.-H., and Yi, M.: A new algorithm for SIP parameter
estimation from multi-frequency IP data: preliminary results A new
algorithm for SIP parameter estimation from multi-frequency IP data:
preliminary results, Explor. Geophys., 38, 60–68, https://doi.org/10.1071/EG07009,
2007.
Staub, B., Marmy, A., Hauck, C., Hilbich, C., and Delaloye, R.: The evolution
of mountain permafrost in the context of climate change: towards a
comprehensive analysis of permafrost monitoring data from the Swiss Alps,
University of Fribourg, https://doc.rero.ch/record/261348/files/StaubB.pdf (last access: 17 May 2022), 2015.
Steiner, M., Wagner, F. M., Maierhofer, T., Schöner, W., and Flores Orozco, A.: Improved estimation of ice and water contents in alpine
permafrost through constrained petrophysical joint inversion: The Hoher
Sonnblick case study, Geophysics, 86, WB119–WB133,
https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2020-0592.1, 2021.
Stillman, D. E., Grimm, R. E., and Dec, S. F.: Low-Frequency Electrical
Properties of Ice – Silicate Mixtures, J. Phys. Chem., 114, 6065–6073,
https://doi.org/10.1021/jp9070778, 2010.
Stummer, P., Maurer, H., and Green, A. G.: Experimental design: Electrical resistivity data sets that provide optimum subsurface information, Geophysics, 69, 120–139, https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1649381, 2004.
Sumner, J. S.: Principles of Induced Polarisation for geophysical
exploration, in: Developments in Economic Geology, 5, Elsevier, Amsterdam, ISBN 0-444-41 481-9, 1976.
Supper, R., Ottowitz, D., Jochum, B., Kim, J.-H., Römer, A., Baron, I.,
Pfeiler, S., Lovisolo, M., Gruber, S., and Vecchiotti, F.: Geoelectrical
monitoring: an innovative method to supplement landslide surveillance and
early warning, Near Surf. Geophys., 12, 133–150,
https://doi.org/10.3997/1873-0604.2013060, 2014.
Vinegar, H. J. and Waxman, M. H.: Induced polarization of shaly sands – the
effect of clay counterion type, Geophysics,49, 1267, https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1441755, 1984.
Vonder Mühll, D. S. and Holub, P.: Borehole logging in alpine
permafrost, upper Engadin, Swiss Alps, Permafrost and Periglac., 3, 125–132, 1992.
Wagner, F. M., Mollaret, C., Kemna, A., and Hauck, C.: Quantitative imaging
of water, ice and air in permafrost systems through petrophysical joint
inversion of seismic refraction and electrical resistivity data, Geophys. J.
Int., 219, 1866–1875, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggz402, 2019.
Wait, J. R.: Relaxation phenomena and induced polarization, Geoexploration,
22, 107–127, 1984.
Wang, S., Sheng, Y., Li, J., Wu, J., Cao, W., and Ma, S.: An Estimation of Ground Ice Volumes in Permafrost Layers in Northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China, Chinese Geogr. Sci., 28, 61–73, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11769-018-0932-z, 2018.
Ward, S.: The Resistivity And Induced Polarization Methods, in: Conference Proceedings, 1st EEGS Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems Conference, Golden, Colorado, USA, 28–31 March 1988, cp-214-00002, European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers, https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609-pdb.214.1988_002, 1990.
Waxman, M. H. and Smits, L. J. M.: Electrical conductivities in oil-bearing
shaly sands, Soc. Pet. Eng. J., 243, 107–122, 1968.
Weigand, M., Flores Orozco, A., and Kemna, A.: Reconstruction quality of SIP
parameters in multi-frequency complex resistivity imaging, Near Surf.
Geophys., 15, 187–199, https://doi.org/10.3997/1873-0604.2016050, 2017.
Weller, A., Slater, L., and Nordsiek, S.: On the relationship between induced
polarization and surface conductivity: Implications for petrophysical
interpretation of electrical measurements, Geophysics, 78, D315–D325,
https://doi.org/10.1190/GEO2013-0076.1, 2013.
Wicky, J. and Hauck, C.: Numerical modelling of convective heat transport by air flow in permafrost talus slopes, The Cryosphere, 11, 1311–1325, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-11-1311-2017, 2017.
Wicky, J. and Hauck, C.: Air Convection in the Active Layer of Rock
Glaciers, Front. Earth Sci., 8, 335, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.00335,
2020.
Wu, Y., Nakagawa, S., Kneafsey, T. J., Dafflon, B., and Hubbard, S.:
Electrical and seismic response of saline permafrost soil during freeze –
Thaw transition, J. Appl. Geophys., 146, 16–26,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2017.08.008, 2017.
Zhao, Y., Zimmermann, E., Huisman, J. A., Treichel, A., Wolters, B., Van
Waasen, S., and Kemna, A.: Broadband EIT borehole measurements with high
phase accuracy using numerical corrections of electromagnetic coupling
effects, Meas. Sci. Technol., 24, 085005, https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-0233/24/8/085005,
2013.
Zimmermann, E., Kemna, A., Berwix, J., Glaas, W., and Vereecken, H.: EIT
measurement system with high phase accuracy for the imaging of spectral
induced polarization properties of soils and sediments, Meas. Sci. Technol.,
19, 094010, https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-0233/19/9/094010, 2008.
Zimmermann, E., Huisman, J. A., Mester, A., and Van Waasen, S.: Correction of
phase errors due to leakage currents in wideband EIT field measurements on
soil and sediments, Meas. Sci. Technol., 30, 084002,
https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6501/ab1b09, 2019.
Zisser, N., Kemna, A., and Nover, G.: Dependence of spectral – induced
polarization response of sandstone on temperature and its relevance to
permeability estimation, J. Geophys. Res., 115, B09214,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2010JB007526, 2010.
Short summary
We extend the application of electrical methods to characterize alpine permafrost using the so-called induced polarization (IP) effect associated with the storage of charges at the interface between liquid and solid phases. We investigate different field protocols to enhance data quality and conclude that with appropriate measurement and processing procedures, the characteristic dependence of the IP response of frozen rocks improves the assessment of thermal state and ice content in permafrost.
We extend the application of electrical methods to characterize alpine permafrost using the...