Premium
Recession of Permafrost in a Cultivated Soil of Interior Alaska
Author(s) -
Kallio Arvo,
Rieger Samuel
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1969.03615995003300030028x
Subject(s) - permafrost , loam , transect , hydrology (agriculture) , clearing , table (database) , environmental science , perennial plant , geology , physical geography , soil science , agronomy , soil water , geography , geotechnical engineering , biology , oceanography , finance , computer science , data mining , economics
Soil temperatures above and within the perennially frozen zones of Tanana silt loam, a member of the subgroup of Pergelic Cryaquepts, were measured twice weekly over a period of 3 years in undisturbed, cleared, perennial grass, and potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) plots. The permafrost table receded rapidly from a depth of about 1 m to almost 5 m after clearing. Refreezing in autumn and winter takes place simultaneously downward from the surface and upward from the new permafrost table. In the potato plot, an unfrozen zone remained throughout the winter. Mean annual temperatures above the new permafrost table are warmer than 0C. Some revision in the definition of Pergelic subgroups in the Comprehensive Classification System seems necessary to avoid a change in classification of the soil as a result of clearing and cropping.