Open Access
How to translate text using browser tools
28 December 2021 Numerical Modelling of Permafrost Dynamics under Climate Change and Evolving Ground Surface Conditions: Application to an Instrumented Permafrost Mound at Umiujaq, Nunavik (Québec), Canada
Julie Perreault, Richard Fortier, John W. Molson
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Numerical simulations were carried out based on a conceptual cryohydrogeological model of a permafrost mound near Umiujaq, Nunavik (Québec), Canada, to assess the impacts of climate warming and changes in surface conditions on permafrost degradation. The 2D model includes groundwater flow, advective-conductive heat transport, phase change and latent heat. Changes in surface conditions which are characteristic of the site were represented empirically in the model by applying spatially- and temporally-variable ground surface temperatures derived from linear regressions between monitored surface and air temperatures. After reaching a transient steady-state condition close to present-day conditions, the simulations were then extended to 2100 under hypothetical climate warming scenarios and using imposed changes in surface conditions consistent with observed on-site evolution. The simulations show that the development of a thermokarst pond and shrubification respectively induce ground warming of up to 0.5°C and 1.5°C, upward migration of the permafrost base by up to 2 and 4 m, and a decrease in the lateral permafrost extent of 1 and 7 m, relative to a reference case without changes in surface conditions. Feedback from permafrost degradation which drives changes in ground surface conditions should be included in future numerical modelling of permafrost dynamics.

© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Julie Perreault, Richard Fortier, and John W. Molson "Numerical Modelling of Permafrost Dynamics under Climate Change and Evolving Ground Surface Conditions: Application to an Instrumented Permafrost Mound at Umiujaq, Nunavik (Québec), Canada," Ecoscience 28(3-4), 377-397, (28 December 2021). https://doi.org/10.1080/11956860.2021.1949819
Received: 15 November 2020; Accepted: 27 June 2021; Published: 28 December 2021
KEYWORDS
Climate warming
conditions de surface
Cryohydrogéologie
Cryohydrogeology
dégradation du pergélisol
heat transfer
modélisation numérique
Back to Top