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Reply to Uxa (2016) Discussion on Active Layer Thickness Prediction on the Western Antarctic Peninsula by Wilhelm et al. (2015)
Author(s) -
Wilhelm Kelly,
Bockheim James
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
permafrost and periglacial processes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1099-1530
pISSN - 1045-6740
DOI - 10.1002/ppp.1923
Subject(s) - peninsula , active layer , geology , permafrost , glacial period , layer (electronics) , western europe , physical geography , climatology , oceanography , geomorphology , archaeology , geography , materials science , composite material , thin film transistor , european union , business , economic policy
Abstract Uxa ([Uxa T, 2016]) used alternative assumptions to calculate active‐layer thicknesses (ALTs) on Amsler Island, Western Antarctic Peninsula, and concluded that assumptions in Wilhelm et al. ([Wilhelm KR, 2015]) overestimate ALTs in the region. Here, we accept that the core of his argument is correct, but we contend that observations using multiple devices, along with the HYDRUS model, indicate that in some cases assumptions used by Uxa ([Uxa T, 2016]) overcompensate and predict an unrealistically thin active layer for the study area. Observed and predicted ALTs are much greater than would be expected, relative to measurements farther to the north. Such a thick active layer could be due to glacial proximity and topographically controlled hydraulic features that promote wetter‐than‐expected soils. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.