Antropogenic Impacts on the Thermal Condition of Permafrost in Central Yakutia

Abstract

The results of long-term geothermal investigations in disturbed landscapes along the railway, water line and gas pipeline are presented. Human-induced changes in the ground thermal state are analyzed. The study has shown significant increases in mean annual temperature of the upper permafrost layers, as well as in seasonal thaw depth in the inter-alas type of terrain after the removal of trees, ground surface stripping and post-fire clearing. Quantitative estimates are given for the dynamics of mean annual ground temperatures on cuts and burns in relation to vegetation succession.