Permafrost Distribution Research based on Remote Sensing Technology in Northwest Section of Lesser Khingan Range in China

Abstract

Lesser Khingan mountain, located in China, whose northwest section range is near the southern permafrost boundary. In order to study regional surface temperature change, permafrost degradation law and conduct in-depth study of its impact mechanism, using Landsat ETM+imagery as data sources, applying the method of remote sensing thermal infrared, two surface temperature maps have been obtained in study area, the initial permafrost distribution map is formed through ArcGIS software. By analysis of elevation, aspect and slope distribution, the initial permafrost distribution map accordant with on-site investigations and geophysical survey results, which show a clear “Khingan–Baikal type” permafrost features. The research shows that the permafrost distribution maps generation from the Landsat ETM+data by ground temperature inversion in study area can assist permafrost degradation mechanisms research and relative disaster research.