Permafrost distribution and temperature in the Elkon Horst, Russia

The Elkon Horst is a geological structure that consists of heterogeneous strata with highly variable geocryological and temperature conditions. Gaining accurate knowledge of permafrost distribution patterns within this structure is of both scientific and practical importance. In mountainous terrain, the ground thermal regime is controlled by both surface and subsurface conditions. Surface conditions include snow cover characteristics, the presence or absence of vegetation, vegetation density, etc.. In contrast, subsurface conditions involve rock lithology or petrography, density, quantity and depth of fissures, groundwater, etc.. This article examines ground thermal regimes in various geomorphological settings based on temperature measurement data from geotechnical boreholes. The occurrence and extent of permafrost were evaluated for the entire horst area using direct and indirect methods. The maximum permafrost thickness measured in the Elkon Horst is 330 m, and the estimated maximum is 450 m at higher elevations. Thermophysical properties were determined for the major rock types, and the geothermal heat flux was estimated for the study area. The thermal conductivities were found to vary from 1.47 to 4.20 W/(m·K), and the dry bulk densities to range between 2,236 kg/m~3 and 3,235 kg/m~3. The average geothermal heat flux was estimated to be 44 mW/m~2.

A thermal physical index to explore current tectonic activity with satellite remote sensing

The use of satellite thermal infrared information is being developed as a method of exploring current tectonic activity. To realize real world application, an objective, stable and testable thermal physical index that is simultaneously related with tectonic activity must be established. From the viewpoint of the energy balance, the land surface is a boundary where energy is exchanged between outer space and the solid Earth. Regardless of how complex the influencing factors are, the land surface is mainly affected by the Sun, atmosphere and underground heat. In this paper, first, the relationships among land surface temperature, solar radiation, atmospheric temperature and thermal information from underground are obtained employing a mathematic physical method based on the equation of heat conduction and energy balance at the land surface. Second, a thermal physical index called the geothermal flux index (GFI), which can provide the activity state of underground heat, is constructed. Third, the theoretical basis of the thermal physical index is verified using stable annual variations in land surface temperature and solar radiation. Finally, combined with known crustal deformations derived using a global positioning system, the effectiveness of the GFI in extracting field tectonic motion is tested. The results indicate that the GFI is effective in providing information on current tectonic activity.