The assessment of potential geotechnical hazards associated with mountain permafrost in a warming global climate
Abstract European mountain permafrost is generally only a few degrees below zero Celsius, and may therefore be highly sensitive to climate change. Permafrost degradation may lead to thaw settlement and reduction in the stability of mountain slopes. Engineering projects within the high mountain zone...
| Published in: | Permafrost and Periglacial Processes |
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| Main Authors: | , , |
| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2001
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| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ppp.376 https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fppp.376 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ppp.376 |
| Summary: | Abstract European mountain permafrost is generally only a few degrees below zero Celsius, and may therefore be highly sensitive to climate change. Permafrost degradation may lead to thaw settlement and reduction in the stability of mountain slopes. Engineering projects within the high mountain zone require careful investigations of potential permafrost‐related hazards. This paper summarizes a staged approach to such investigations. Phase 1 involves walkover site survey supported by a desk study to define potential permafrost hazard zones. Data from permafrost distribution maps, topographic and geological maps are integrated, preferably using GIS methodology. If permafrost is possible and is judged to pose a significant threat to the development, phase 2 investigations are recommended whereby field thermal measurements, drilling of exploratory boreholes, and geophysical surveys are undertaken to clarify permafrost characteristics. The resulting data set should form an important component in subsequent engineering design. On a larger scale, a similar approach should be adopted as part of land‐use planning within the mountain permafrost zone. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. RÉSUMÉ Généralement, le pergélisol européen de montagne est seulement quelques degrés en dessous du zéro Celsius et est, de ce fait, très sensible aux changements climatiques. La dégradation du pergélisol peut entraîner des affaissements du sol au dégel et une réduction de la stabilité des pentes de montagne. Des projets d'ingénierie dans la haute montagne exigent donc des recherches soigneuses concernant les risques potentiels liés à l'existence du pergélisol. Le présent article résume une approche en différentes étapes d'une telle recherche. La phase 1 consiste en un examen attentif du terrain, travail suivi par une étude en laboratoire afin de définir les zones potentielles où existerait un pergélisol dangereux. Des données provenant de cartes de la distribution du pergélisol ainsi que de cartes topographiques et géologiques ... |
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