Applied Geophysics in Periglacial Environments

About this book

Many research problems in cryospheric science, such as global warming-induced permafrost degradation, require information about the subsurface, which can be imaged using geophysical methods. This book, first published in 2008, is a practical guide to the application of geophysical techniques in mountainous and polar terrain, where the harsh environment and nature of the subsurface pose particular challenges. It starts with an introduction to the main geophysical methods and then demonstrates their application in periglacial environments through various case studies - written by a team of international experts. The final part of the book presents a series of reference tables with typical values of geophysical parameters for periglacial environments. This handbook is a valuable resource for glaciologists, geomorphologists and geologists requiring an introduction to geophysical techniques, as well as for geophysicists lacking experience of planning and conducting field surveys in cold regions.

Contents

Part I. Introduction

Part II. Introductory Chapters for the Main Geophysical Methods Applied
1. Electric methods
2. Electromagnetic methods
3. Refraction seismics
4. Ground-penetrating radar

Part III. Case Studies
5. Typology of vertical electrical soundings for permafrost/ground ice investigation in the forefields of small alpine glaciers
6. ERT imaging for frozen ground detection
7. Electrical resistivity values of frozen soil from VES and TEM field observations and laboratory experiments
8. Results of geophysical surveys on Kasprowy Wierch, the Tatra Mountains
9. Reassessment of DC resistivity in rock glaciers by comparing with P-wave velocity: a case study in the Swiss Alps
10. Quantifying the ice content in low-altitude scree slopes using geophysical methods
11. The use of GPR in determining talus thickness and talus structure
12. GPR soundings of rock glaciers on Svalbard
13. Arctic glaciers and ground-penetrating radar case-study: Stagnation Glacier, Bylot Island, Canada
14. Mapping of subglacial topography using GPR for determining subglacial hydraulic conditions
15. Snow measurements using GPR: example from Amundsenisen, Svalbard
16. Mapping Frazil ice conditions in rivers using ground penetrating radar

Part IV. Tables of Typical Values of Geophysical Parameters for Periglacial Environments

Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Christian Hauck received a Ph.D. from the Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich. He is now a scientist at the Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research in the University of Karlsruhe, and has 9 years of experience in conducting field work in alpine, arctic and antarctic environments using electrical, electromagnetic and seismic surveying methods. Dr Hauck's main research interests include the application of geophysical methods in mountainous and polar terrain, and new measuring and inversion methods in hydrogeophysics.

Christof Kneisel received a Ph.D. from the University of Trier in 1999. He is now a Lecturer at the Department of Physical Geography at the University of Wurzburg, and has 12 years of experience in conducting field work in alpine and subarctic periglacial environments using 1-D and 2-D electrical methods and refraction seismics. Dr Kneisel's main research interests include the application of geophyical mapping and monitoring in alpine and subarctic periglacial terrain on various glacial and periglacial landforms, and the application of geoelectrical methods in soil and environmental science.