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Permafrost Mapping

Understanding Permafrost

Permafrost refers to ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, consisting of soil, rock, and organic material bound together by ice. Found in polar and high-altitude regions, it exhibits unique characteristics:
  • Active layer: The surface layer that thaws during summer and refreezes in winter. This layer plays a crucial role in supporting vegetation and influencing local hydrology.
  • Depth variability: Permafrost depth can range from a few meters to hundreds of meters, depending on regional climate and geological conditions.
Mapping and monitoring permafrost are essential for understanding its impact on climate, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Tools like SnowTEM are particularly effective for:
  • Accurately delineating permafrost boundaries and assessing its thickness, even in snow-covered areas.
  • Detecting variations in ice content and identifying areas of thaw or refreeze.
  • Providing critical data for infrastructure planning by identifying unstable permafrost zones.
With advanced technology like SnowTEM, researchers and stakeholders can gain valuable insights into permafrost dynamics, ensuring sustainable development and mitigating risks in sensitive regions.

TEM's role in Permafrost Mapping

Explore how our instruments enhance and support critical permafrost studies

Shallow Permafrost Detection

tTEM identifies resistivity contrasts between frozen and unfrozen ground, making it highly effective for mapping shallow permafrost layers and the active layer.

Large Area Surveys

With its ability to cover extensive areas quickly, tTEM is ideal for mapping large northern territories or assessing construction sites in cold climates.

Monitoring Permafrost Degradation

tTEM helps track permafrost thaw caused by climate change, identifying regions at risk of degradation that could affect infrastructure and ecosystems.

Deeper Permafrost Investigation

sTEM excels in detecting deeper permafrost zones, offering high-resolution data for areas where permafrost extends tens to hundreds of meters below the surface.

High Resolution Boundary Mapping

Perfect for delineating permafrost boundaries and thaw zones, especially for assessing risks to critical infrastructure like roads, pipelines, and buildings.

Detailed Subsurface Profiling

sTEM and tTEM can provide profiling of both the active layer and deeper permafrost zones, offering essential insights for evaluating stability in construction and development projects.

Our instruments enhance and support critical permafrost studies