A solifluction meter for permafrost sites

Abstract A solifluction meter that measures soil movements at eight levels in the active layer is described. Anchored in permafrost, the meter transforms mechanical movement of wooden blocks attached to flexible racks into changes in the electrical resistance of potentiometers. Solifluction can be m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Permafrost and Periglacial Processes
Main Author: Lewkowicz, Antoni G.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Wiley 1992
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ppp.3430030103
https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fppp.3430030103
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ppp.3430030103
Description
Summary:Abstract A solifluction meter that measures soil movements at eight levels in the active layer is described. Anchored in permafrost, the meter transforms mechanical movement of wooden blocks attached to flexible racks into changes in the electrical resistance of potentiometers. Solifluction can be monitored continuously with a data‐logger or manually at intervals when visiting field sites. Preliminary results from meters installed on the Fosheim Peninsula, Ellesmere Island, illustrate frost creep, with heave continuing at ground temperatures between −25°C and −30°C, and summer movements of the active layer in response to thaw consolidation and precipitation.