Effects of ice content on the thermal erosion of permafrost: implications for coastal and fluvial erosion

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
The effects of ice content and water flow on thawing and erosion of non-cohesive permafrost banks were investigated through laboratory experiments. A critical ice content was identified as associated with turbulent flows, above which thermal erosion results in ablation and a decrease in ice content increases ablation. Below the critical value, the ablation model over-estimates the erosion rate as the removal of thawed sediments occurs episodically, possibly due to the imbrication of sand grains. The ablation model applies to rivers with non-cohesive banks, high ice contents and subject to high-velocity water flows. The model may explain differential erosion that results in massive ice layers in relief.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Permafrost and periglacial processes, issn : 1045-6740, 2011, vol. 22, n°. 2, p. 179-187, nombre de pages : 9, Références bibliographiques : 34 ref.

Date :
2011

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley