Permafrost Conditions Research Articles

Simulating the effect of subsurface drainage on the thermal regime and ground ice in blocky terrain in Norway

Abstract. Ground temperatures in coarse, blocky deposits such as mountain blockfields and rock glaciers have long been observed to be lower in comparison with other (sub)surface material. One of the reasons for this negative temperature anomaly is the lower soil moisture content in blocky terrain, which decreases the duration of the zero curtain in autumn. Here we used the CryoGrid community model to simulate the effect of drainage on the ground thermal regime and ground ice in blocky terrain permafrost at two sites in Norway. The model set-up is based on a one-dimensional model domain and features a surface energy balance, heat conduction and advection, as well as a bucket water scheme with adjustable lateral drainage. We used three idealized subsurface stratigraphies, blocks only, blocks with sediment and sediment only, which can be either drained (i.e. with strong lateral subsurface drainage) or undrained (i.e. without drainage), resulting in six scenarios. The main difference between the three stratigraphies is their ability to retain water against drainage: while the blocks only stratigraphy can only hold small amounts of water, much more water is retained within the sediment phase of the two other stratigraphies, which critically modifies the freeze–thaw behaviour. The simulation results show markedly lower ground temperatures in the blocks only, drained scenario compared to other scenarios, with a negative thermal anomaly of up to 2.2 ∘C. For this scenario, the model can in particular simulate the time evolution of ground ice, with build-up during and after snowmelt and spring and gradual lowering of the ice table in the course of the summer season. The thermal anomaly increases with larger amounts of snowfall, showing that well-drained blocky deposits are less sensitive to insulation by snow than other soils. We simulate stable permafrost conditions at the location of a rock glacier in northern Norway with a mean annual ground surface temperature of 2.0–2.5 ∘C in the blocks only, drained simulations. Finally, transient simulations since 1951 at the rock glacier site (starting with permafrost conditions for all stratigraphies) showed a complete loss of perennial ground ice in the upper 5 m of the ground in the blocks with sediment, drained run; a 1.6 m lowering of the ground ice table in the sediment only, drained run; and only 0.1 m lowering in the blocks only, drained run. The interplay between the subsurface water–ice balance and ground freezing/thawing driven by heat conduction can at least partly explain the occurrence of permafrost in coarse blocky terrain below the elevational limit of permafrost in non-blocky sediments. It is thus important to consider the subsurface water–ice balance in blocky terrain in future efforts in permafrost distribution mapping in mountainous areas. Furthermore, an accurate prediction of the evolution of the ground ice table in a future climate can have implications for slope stability, as well as water resources in arid environments.

Tendency of soil erosion dynamics by coupling radioisotopes and RUSLE model on the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau in response to climate warming and human activity

Soil erosion has created landscape problems in many parts of the world and in particular in cold regions where the sensitive permafrost conditions have changed due to climate warming. Such a case occurred in the Tibetan Plateau (TP), which has been strongly affected by global warming and human activities. Monitoring technologies, like remote sensing and field surveys were used to explore soil erosion rates in the TP, but they were limited by the resolution and meteorological disturbance factors or the spatial and time scales. Here, we present for the first time 210Pbex (excess lead-210) and 137Cs (caesium-137) data of soils from the southeastern TP (SETP) covering an area of 640,000 km2. In the permafrost-dominant areas, the results show mean soil-erosion rates in the last 56–100 years that were relatively higher (1891 t·km−2·a-1) based on 210Pbex than those based on 137Cs (1623 t·km−2·a-1). Modelling results from the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) indicate relatively high mean soil erosion rates of 4363 and 4394 t·km−2·a-1 using a period covering the last 40 or 10 years respectively. Our data suggest accelerating erosion rates on the SETP that are linked to permafrost degradation, and glacier and snow melting due to accelerating global climate warming. The increase in ground surface temperature of ∼2 °C in the last four decades has further shifted the regional hydrology, affecting the degeneration of vegetation cover and a further increase in soil-erosion rates. However, our radionuclides data also expose low erosion rates in the seasonally frozen ground at some sampling sites which indicates the complex nature of erosion trends in cold regions that require careful adaptation of soil management.

Controls on methylmercury concentrations in lakes and streams of peatland‐rich catchments along a 1700 km permafrost gradient

AbstractPermafrost thaw may increase the production of neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) in northern peatlands, but the downstream delivery of MeHg is uncertain. We quantified total mercury (THg) and MeHg concentrations in lakes and streams along a 1700 km permafrost transect in boreal western Canada to determine the influence of regional permafrost extent compared to local lake and catchment characteristics. In lakes, we assessed sediment microbial communities and modeled potential rates of water column photodemethylation (PD). Regardless of permafrost conditions, peatlands were the primary sources of MeHg across the transect as MeHg concentrations in streams increased with aromatic dissolved organic carbon (DOC), iron, and lower pH. Higher DOC and greater catchment peatland extent were further associated with higher stream %MeHg (MeHg/THg). Peatland lakes were potential MeHg sinks, with lower MeHg concentrations than streams (mean ± 1SD: 0.19 ± 0.23 and 0.47 ± 0.77 ng MeHg L−1, respectively), and larger stream catchments had lower %MeHg where PD may occur in abundant small lakes. Microbial communities in lake sediments showed that abundance of Hg reducing genes (merA) predominated over Hg methylating (hgcA) and MeHg demethylating (merB) genes. The effects of permafrost extent on MeHg processes in lakes were secondary to the influence of local catchment characteristics, but lakes in regions with less permafrost had higher DOC concentrations, higher %MeHg, and lower potential rates of PD. Our study highlights a need to understand the impacts of climate change on MeHg source and sink processes, particularly as mediated through changes to peatland DOC, to improve projections of future MeHg concentrations in northern catchments.

Hydrological connections in a glaciated Andean catchment under permafrost conditions (33°S)

Fresh water supply is critical along the Andes, where drought conditions over the past decade are projected to persist. At high Andean headwater catchments, frozen ground conditions are assumed to modulate groundwater flow paths and their hydrological signals at different timescales. However, knowledge of hydrological connections in subtropical Andean catchments is still very sparse. This study assessed hydrological connections and their impacts on groundwater contribution to baseflow in a headwater proglacial aquifer located in central Chile at 33° S and 3600 m a.s.l. We collected and analyzed snow, glacial stream, and groundwater spring water samples between 2019 and 2021. We combined of water isotope and metagenomic proxies with the hydraulic parameterization of the catchment to deliver mean transit time distributions through the proglacial aquifer. The new hydrological insights for the region include the finding that groundwater spring signals delivered sub-decadal transit times, implying likely origins from glacial or interstitial ice. Additionally, the stable isotope signature showed that groundwater consistently differs from snow and surface runoff. The 16S rRNA metabarcoding analyses demonstrated the presence of psychrophilic microorganisms in groundwater springs, supporting the idea of a late warm-season activation of interstitial ice due to thawing events associated with a differential relative-abundance of specific cryophilic bacteria. Finally, our results suggest hydrological connections and dampening timeframes between glaciers, proglacial areas, and groundwater springs, most likely from thawing sources.

Waste management peculiarities in far north from the perspective of environmental hazard and emergency prevention

The paper considers the peculiarities of waste management in the system of housing and communal services of the northern regions of Russia in the conditions of permafrost and harsh climatic conditions. The authors have studied the topical issues from the point of view of preventing environmental hazards and emergencies of manmade character. Thus, the aim of the present study was to develop scientifically substantiated proposals for the prevention of environmental hazards and emergencies in the regions of the Arctic zone, as well as adjacent territories of the subjects of the Russian Federation, caused by man-made impact of waste. The conducted research with conclusions and recommendations according to its results are carried out on the basis of the developed forecast and within the framework of the chosen scenarios of development of the situation with waste management on ecologically vulnerable territories. In order to achieve the goal of the research, the following scientific and applied tasks have been solved: a systematic analysis of the hazardous waste management situation in the Far North; identification of dangerous environmental factors and threats, which may contribute to emergencies with irreversible consequences for the environment, population and economic development of the Arctic; scientific justification of proposals for the prevention of technospheric impact of waste through the transition of regions to resource-saving The results of the study can be used in the development and updating of concepts, federal target, regional programs in the field of environmental security, prevention of man-made emergencies in the process of life support regions of the Far North, the northern part of Siberia, the Urals, the Far East.

Small-sized magnetolevitation system of the trestle type for the Arctic

The construction of large technical systems (industrial and transport) poses a threat to the environmental situation in the Arctic. On the other hand, the operation of such systems in harsh Arctic conditions is also unsafe, especially in permafrost conditions. We offer a small-sized maglev system of the trestle type with “movers” and “fellow travelers” type suspension. In this system, the track magnetic field is created by a moving sequence of interacting magnetic field sources –movers in a special control channel (beam, pipe), which also interact with the magnetic field sources of transport modules –fellow travelers. Fellow travelers are suspended in controlled channels due to interaction with permanent sources of magnetic field. The structure is mounted on arc-shaped supports that evenly distribute the load on the supporting surface and protect it from snow drifts and water flows. A model of a two-channel system with the lower location of the controlled channel has been developed. Further improvement of the system involves the use of the “magnetic potential hole” effect and the principles of the planetary model construction.

Transferring Cryosphere Knowledge between Mountains Globally: A Case Study of Western Canadian Mountains, the European Alps and the Scandes

Permafrost is present in mountains globally, yet most research has been focussed in the small area covered by the European Alps. This paper presents a method for comparing regional climates at a coarse scale to highlight similarities and differences between the European Alps and the Scandes to western Canadian mountain regions with permafrost. Climate variables from the ERA5 reanalysis relevant to mountain permafrost are averaged over the 1986–2005 period and compared. This helps to understand where permafrost conditions can be compared and where new research is needed. In this application, we conclude that a direct transfer of knowledge about ground temperature regimes and spatial patterns from the Scandes and Alps to western Canada is inappropriate because (1) the areas in western Canada receive more radiation than those in the Scandes, and less than in the Alps, (2) the areas in western Canada are more continental than the Scandes and the Alps, (3) the areas in western Canada extend into much colder conditions that the Scandes and the Alps, and (4) overlap in climatic variables is concentrated in small areas. Further research is needed to understand permafrost in mountains of western Canada.Despite the imperfections of reanalysis products, they present a unique and homogeneous data source for the remote and sparsely measured cryosphere regions. As such, this method can better inform the transfer of cryosphere knowledge between mountains globally.

Christmas Mass Movements in the Italian Alps

Mass movements at high elevation during wintertime are rare events in the Italian Alps, but are generally large events compared to those occurring in other seasons. In a context of climate change, their interpretation is particularly challenging due to the risk implications during a highly tourist season in the mountains, and because their occurrence seemingly contradicts the attribution of recent mass movements in high-alpine environments to global warming. To shed some light on this topic, we reviewed 12 mass movements in the Italian Alps that occurred at elevations above 1500 m, documented from mid-December to January, henceforth during the Christmas period. The aim is to understand whether recent events may be related to ongoing climate and environmental changes. Even though the small number of analysed mass movements does not allow statistically based conclusions, some preliminary considerations could be drafted. We observe a seeming increase in the frequency and elevation of winter mass-movement events in the last two decades, with an increased number of failures involving rock slopes under permafrost conditions, and a transition from heavy-precipitations controlled mass movements to temperature-anomalies and -fluctuations controlled mass movements. We also show that any type of instability process can occur in winter, including debris flows, with rock falls/avalanches prevailing. These findings may partly stem from an increased number of mass-movement reports deriving from the growing attention in recent years to the impacts of climate change and their related risks. Considering the growing anthropic pressure on alpine areas even in winter, especially for tourism purposes, it is crucial to broaden our knowledge on winter mass movements by expanding and analysing a larger case history, through the opportunities offered by new technologies and citizen science.

Influence of subtitle base stabilization with geogrids on the deformability of the earth bed during thawing

In this research papers, several fundamental questions connected with the assessment of the influence of subgrade stabilization using the geogrid reinforcing method on deformability of subgrade during thawing are considered, as also the basic provisions of methods of calculation of the stress-strain state of subgrade reinforced by geogrids during thawing. Several practically significant tasks, such as reduction of general deformability, reduction of uneven distribution of deformations, increase of bearing capacity, and ensuring the stability of earth bed during thawing, can be solved by using modern geomaterials in the construction of earth bed. In order to determine the degree of change in the deformation characteristics of the ground reinforced with planar geomaterials under varying factors of structural, operational, and technological nature, a series of laboratory stamping tests were performed. The test outcomes showed an increase in the total deformation modulus of reinforced soil, depending on the realized variant of reinforcement, under the condition of full inclusion of geomaterial in the work under load, and being the most essential for recompacted soils. The paper proposes a method of accounting for the influence of reinforcing layers of geomaterial on the deformability and bearing capacity of the earth bed during thawing using a conventionally homogeneous equivalent layer with parameters determined by the outcomes of die tests. The proposed method of calculating the stress-strain state of an earth bed reinforced with geogrids during thawing is based on the use of the finite element method and is an effective tool for solving practical tasks of railway construction, including permafrost conditions.

Chronostratigraphy of the Periglacial Loess-Paleosol Sequence in Zaprężyn, SW Poland

Abstract Loess-paleosol sequences (LPS) are an exceptional source of palaeoclimate data constituting an indirect record of changing environmental and climatic conditions that prevailed during loess deposition and early diagenesis. The Zaprężyn LPS (17°11′52″E, 51°14′44″N) is situated in the southern morphological edge of the Trzebnica Hills. This sequence provides an opportunity to reconstruct past climate conditions in this part of SW Poland. In this work, we used two sets of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating from the Gliwice and Bayreuth laboratory to establish a chronological framework for this profile. The results of 14C accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating were also used. The dating results are accompanied by detailed analyses of grain-size distribution and colour. The applied methodology allowed us to distinguish four litho-pedotratigraphic units: modern soil S0, L1LL1 loess unit, L1LL2 loess unit and fossil S1 soil. The OSL dating results indicate an unconformity representing a time interval >30 ka between the L1LL1 and L1LL2 units. This unconformity explains the lack of a L1SS1 soil unit. In Zaprężyn LPS, the presence of the ice wedge pseudomorph in L1LL2 loess unit was recorded. Ice wedge pseudomorph approves the presens the permafrost conditions during the Lower Plenivistulian in Trzebnica Hills.

Environmentally friendly material for the construction of pile foundations on permafrost

Modern construction of pile foundations in permafrost conditions includes a cycle of operations: conducting geological and geodesic surveys; developing design and estimate documentation; construction and installation work; monitoring. Six main indicators are considered to determine the organizational and technological reliability of pile foundations for industrial tanks in permafrost soils: environmental performance (EF), intensity (Cf), cost (Cf), innovation (Mf), operational reliability (ORf), quality (Qf). Eco-friendliness depends on the material, the immersion technology, embedding depth, engineering and environmental survey, and other factors. Quality depends on determining the characteristics of the soil, assessing the depth of the hard frozen ground, methods for analyzing the strength characteristics of piles, pile inspection methods, materials, sinking technology, and other factors. The intensity depends on the volume and duration of the work. The duration depends on the depth of the foundation, pile installation technology, climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and other factors. The cost depends on the depth of embedding, immersion technology, material, construction area, the complexity of the project, and other factors. Innovativeness depends on introducing new technologies, resistance to climate change, material, structural changes in piles, and other factors. Operational reliability depends on permafrost soil characteristics, foundation design parameters, material performance characteristics, process parameters, operating conditions, inspection and maintenance, and other factors.

СОСТАВ И СОДЕРЖАНИЕ СВОБОДНЫХ И СВЯЗАННЫХ АМИНОКИСЛОТ В МОЧЕ У ДЕТЕЙ С СИНДРОМОМ НЕДИФФЕРЕНЦИРОВАННОЙ ДИСПЛАЗИИ СОЕДИНИТЕЛЬНОЙ ТКАНИ, ПРОЖИВАЮЩИХ В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ САХА (ЯКУТИЯ)

The article presents the results of a study using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the amino acid composition of urine in children with the syndrome of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia, living in permafrost conditions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Connective tissue dysplasia (CTD) is associated with complex metabolic changes, including amino acid metabolism. However, currently available data are conflicting. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to study the level of amino acids in the urine of children with undifferentiated CTD. Materials and methods. The present study included 48 children who were in the control group and 57 children with undifferentiated CTD included in the experimental group. The level of amino acids in the urine was assessed using gas chromatography with an Agilent GC 7820/MSD 5975 mass spectrometric detector. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS version 22 software. Results and discussions. The analysis of amino acids in urine makes it possible to assess their qualitative and quantitative composition, to obtain information about the existing imbalance, which may indicate nutritional and metabolic disorders that underlie a large number of diseases, including disorders associated with connective tissue. It is concluded that the increased excretion of various amino acids in the urine in children with undifferentiated CTD may be due to a violation of protein synthesis as a result of the absence (or lack) of any amino acids in the diet.

Monitoring the Permafrost Conditions along Pipeline Routes in Central Yakutia, Russia

Pipelines are critical infrastructure for Yakutia, transporting vital supplies to communities in this vast northern region. The pipeline routes in central Yakutia traverse areas of ice-rich permafrost that is sensitive to temperature changes. This study examined the thermal state of permafrost in undisturbed and disturbed settings along the Lena River to Mundulakh Reservoir water pipeline and the Mastakh to Yakutsk gas pipeline and considered the effects of climatic fluctuations and surface disturbances (forest removal and wildfire) over the monitoring periods of 28 and 18 years, respectively. The geocryological conditions in the study area, as well as the methods of permafrost thermal monitoring, are described. The observation results demonstrated significant increases in the mean annual ground temperature in the upper permafrost layers, as well as in the active-layer thickness following fire and post-fire clearing. At some sites, progressive deepening of the active layer caused the formation of taliks and reached the top of massive ground ice, initiating permafrost degradation. The development of extreme ground temperatures in the layer of annual temperature fluctuations was analyzed according to the combination of seasonal and annual meteorological conditions and the type of anthropogenic impact. The research results can be extrapolated to similar anthropogenic landscapes.

Improving the efficiency of foundation construction in permafrost conditions on the example of the use of geopolymer materials

The development of the natural resources of the North and territories with permafrost is an urgent task for countries located in the northern regions, the solution of which is complicated by extreme climatic conditions. Competent arrangement of the base under any structure is an extremely important task, which is solved only by experienced and qualified specialists. This article describes models with the presented optimal methods and technologies for strengthening and strengthening soils and foundations during the construction and reconstruction of construction projects in the Far North using modern material - cryogel.

Numerical analysis of permafrost heat transfer for small module reactor installation in northern areas

Permafrost degradation amplified by climate change is one of the key issues to consider when attempting to install a small modular reactor (SMR) in remote towns and communities of northern Canada. If the thermal disturbance of permafrost occurs, the ground's strength may be significantly reduced, resulting in structural settlement and stability problems. Therefore, when constructing an SMR on permafrost soils or bedrocks, local permafrost conditions must be protected around the foundations. In the present work, a permafrost heat transfer model has been developed, including the mechanisms of the transient heat conduction, convection and phase change between the solid (ice) and liquid (water) in a porous medium (subsurface soil or sand), to predict the ground temperature variation with depth. The model was assessed by comparing against the available analytical solutions, and then applied to an underground SMR structure (using the Russian-ELENA design) and a civic building foundation (Igloo Church in Inuvik) to forecast the influence of construction heating and seasonal change on the thawing fronts, especially below the structure foundations. The climate data of Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada was used as typical weather conditions of northern areas. The numerical results concluded that there is no significant difference of the thawing front penerations adjacent to the underground SMR structure between the summer and winter times, except the active layer. This study will help to ensure the long-term performance of SMR structures under changing environmental conditions.

Variations in hydrological variables using distributed hydrological model in permafrost environment

The Yangtze River Source Region (YaRSR) is located in the third polar region, the most threatened zone by global warming after the Arctic. Permafrost covers eighty percent of the total area of YaRSR, while the rest is seasonally frozen ground. Due to a significant rise in air temperature, degradation of the permafrost could occur. Permafrost coverage in a river basin greatly controls its hydrology. This study focuses on hydrological modeling in this permafrost environment using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The SWAT model was calibrated (1985–2000) and validated (2001–2015) on a daily time step. The results were also compared on a monthly time scale. An impermeable layer was introduced within the SWAT model to represent the permafrost conditions. The streamflow is strongly dependent on the seasonal variation of precipitation and temperature, and the rising limb of the hydrograph shows the melting of snow, the contribution of soil water, and thawing of permafrost during the spring-summer season. The permafrost layer well restricted the deep percolation of water. During the spring season, streamflow mainly consists of surface runoff because of the frozen soils. Permafrost and frozen ground thawing lead to an increase in the contribution of groundwater flow to streamflow. Ultimately, the frozen ground depletes as the temperature gets close to the freezing point. This study also describes the SWAT model application to better analyze and understand the hydrology of the permafrost/frozen ground with limited data availability.

Rapid and Gradual Permafrost Thaw: A Tale of Two Sites

AbstractWarming temperatures and increasing disturbance by wildfire and extreme weather events is driving permafrost change across northern latitudes. The state of permafrost varies widely in space and time, depending on landscape, climate, hydrologic, and ecological factors. Despite its importance, few approaches commonly measure and monitor the changes in deep (>1 m) permafrost conditions with high spatial resolution. Here, we use electrical resistivity tomography surveys along two transects in interior Alaska previously disturbed by wildfire and more recently by warming temperatures and extreme precipitation. Long‐term point observations of permafrost depth, temperature, and water content inform geophysical measurements which, in turn, are used to extrapolate interpretations over larger areas and with high spatial fidelity. We contrast gradual loss of recently formed permafrost driven by warmer temperatures and increased snowfall, with rapid permafrost loss driven by changes in air temperature, snow depth, and extreme summer precipitation in 2014.

Centrifuge modelling of landslides and landslide hazard mitigation: A review

Landslides are serious geohazards that occur under a variety of climatic conditions and can cause many casualties and significant economic losses. Centrifuge modelling, as a representative type of physical modelling, provides a realistic simulation of the stress level in a small-scale model and has been applied over the last 50 years to develop a better understanding of landslides. With recent developments in this technology, the application of centrifuge modelling in landslide science has significantly increased. Here, we present an overview of physical models that can capture landslide processes during centrifuge modelling. This review focuses on (i) the experimental principles and considerations, (ii) landslide models subjected to various triggering factors, including centrifugal acceleration, rainfall, earthquakes, water level changes, thawing permafrost, excavation, external loading and miscellaneous conditions, and (iii) different methods for mitigating landslides modelled in centrifuge, such as the application of nails, piles, geotextiles, vegetation, etc. The behaviors of all the centrifuge models are discussed, with emphasis on the deformation and failure mechanisms and experimental techniques. Based on this review, we provide a best-practice methodology for preparing a centrifuge landslide test and propose further efforts in terms of the seven aspects of model materials, testing design and equipment, measurement methods, scaling laws, full-scale test applications, landslide early warning, and 3D modelling to better understand the complex behaviour of landslides.

Results of repeated study of the frozen tomb of the Fifth Pazyryk Barrow in the Altai Mountains (Russia): 70 years after first excavations

In 2017–2019 a repeat study of the burial pit of Kurgan (Barrow) 5 at the Pazyryk burial ground was carried out. The Pazyryk burial ground in the Altai is known for the “tsar” tombs containing wonderful sets of grave goods made of various organic materials (wood, horn, felt, fur, leather and textile) as well as human mummies and even frozen horse corpses that were well-preserved due to the permafrost conditions in the mounds for about 2.5 thousand years. S.I. Rudenko excavated Kurgan 5 in 1949. The grave revealed a chamber consisting of a two wooden framework cabins placed one inside the other at the bottom of the pit. Each cabin had a roof; the upper roof was covered with five layers of logs and a layer of boulders. By the new excavation start, the center of the Kurgan was marked by a deep cone-shaped hole, which remained from Rudenko's excavations in 1949. The lowest level of this crater was covered with water at the depth of about 2 m below the ground surface. The resumed excavations have shown that some burial constructions, namely the external cabin and the posts supporting the shed-like cover were situated almost in situ. Some findings were also discovered, including fragments of items found in 1949 and stored in the State Hermitage. Repeated excavations showed the great potential for continuing field studies of the ‘big’ altaian barrows studied in Soviet time. Secondly, it is necessary to emphasize the discovery of permafrost in the excavated pit, in the place of which a deep funnel remained. This indicates that, despite the obvious influence of warming on the Altai glaciers, climatic processes affect frozen tombs is not so clear. This fact requires new research of the problem of global warming and frozen tombs.

Scientific and practical bases for establishing and introducing integrated geological monitoring in Kupol Mine

The location of the Kupol gold–silver deposit governs complexity of its geological features within the Okhotsk–Chukotka Volcanic Belt in the zone of high tectonic activity. The present zones with different thermodynamic conditions in permafrost 250–300 m thick at the mining depth greater than 500 m, the cryopags in frozen rocks and in mineralized pressure water below the permafrost sole, the excessive tectonic stresses in thawed rocks, the aggressive physicochemical, chemical and biochemical conditions of the underground hydrosphere dictate the need to develop and introduce the integrated geological monitoring. The monitoring concept and contents are formulated based on the representation of the underground space (US) of a mine as a multicomponent system: fractured rock mass–underground water–microorganisms of underground water–gases of various genesis–load-bearing structures (supports). For each of the components, the necessity and directions of monitoring and observations are determined in the structure of the integrated monitoring system. The interrelation of all US components is shown, and special attention is paid to the operability and long-term stability of rock bolting systems as the main supporting structures that determine mine operation safety. It is emphasized that the mine support systems experience the multifactorial influence of four components: rocks, groundwater, microorganisms and gases. All types of corrosion of mine support systems, including biocorrosion, are identified and systematized, their nature is disclosed and the methodological aspects of recommended control and observations in the specific monitoring system are formulated, which ensures improvement of mining safety and elimination of emergencies through undertaking preventive measures.