Hazards of activation of cryogenic processes in the arctic community: A geopenetrating radar study in Lorino, Chukotka, Russia

Abstract

The subsurface structure of permafrost is of high significance to forecast landscape dynamics and the engineering stability of infrastructure under human impacts and climate warming, which is a modern challenge in Arctic communities. Application of the non-destructive method of a geo-penetrating radar (GPR) survey is a promising way to study it. In this paper, we provide the study program, which could be used for the planning and monitoring of measures of adaptation of Arctic communities to environmental changes. Etalons of correlated radargrams and archive geological data were compiled to interpret changes in the permafrost composition from a grid of 5–10 m GPR transects in Lorino. Here, we show the application of GPR to reconstruct and predict hazards of activation of cryogenic processes from the spatial variability in the sequence of layers of permafrost. The indicator layers and variables for cryogenic processes were as follows: the thawed layer bottom, thicknesses and depths of the ice-rich transient layer at the bottom of the active layer, massive ice bodies, and frost-susceptible sediments. The permafrost degradation in Lorino has declined due to improvements in the maintenance of infrastructure and local permafrost aggradation in relic taliks after ground filling applications. However, the hazards of heaving and thermokarst remain for the built-up area.