Abstract

Soil freeze–thaw processes and snowmelt infiltration have a significant impact on the hydrological cycle and ecosystem productivity in alpine pastoral areas. To investigate the driving mechanism of snow on soil freeze-thaw processes, a meteorological station was established in the southern part of Namatso Lake, Tibet to collect environmental data. The study included analyzing the relationship between soil temperature and humity, as well as assessing soil freeze-thaw characteristics and the evolution of soil frost heave over time. The freeze-thaw frequency was significantly 43% lower at the surface soil, and the freeze-thaw intensity decreased when the ground was snow-covered. During the initial freezing period, precipitation and soil humidity remain relatively low, and soil moisture decreases linearly with decreasing soil temperature, which occurs in the phenomenon of soil freeze-shrink. During the initial thawing period, snowmelt infiltration impacts soil humidity, and soil frost heave increases logarithmically, reaching a maximum of 5.2 mm, driven by freeze-thaw. Soil moisture decreases under topsoil evaporation in the later stage and again follows a linear trend with the soil temperature. This study not only reveals the correlation between soil temperature and humidity during different freeze-thaw periods but also enhances the understanding of soil deformation patterns under the influence of snow accumulation.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.