Characterization of a Deglaciated Sediment Chronosequence in the High Arctic Using Near‐Surface Geoelectrical Monitoring Methods

Cimpoiasu, Mihai O.; Kuras, Oliver; Harrison, Harry; Wilkinson, Paul B.; Meldrum, Philip; Chambers, Jonathan E.; Liljestrand, Dane; Oroza, Carlos; Schmidt, Steven K.; Sommers, Pacifica; Irons, Trevor P.; Bradley, James A.. 2024 Characterization of a Deglaciated Sediment Chronosequence in the High Arctic Using Near‐Surface Geoelectrical Monitoring Methods. Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, 35 (2). 157-171. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.2220

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ppp.2220

Abstract/Summary

Accelerated climate warming is causing significant reductions in the volume of Arctic glaciers, such that previously ice-capped bare ground is uncovered, harboring soil development. Monitoring the thermal and hydrologic characteristics of soils, which strongly affect microbial activity, is important to understand the evolution of emerging terrestrial landscapes. We instrumented two sites on the forefield of a retreating Svalbard glacier, representing sediment ages of approximately 5 and 60 years since exposure. Our instrumentation included an ERT array complemented by adjacent point sensor measurements of subsurface temperature and water content. Sediments were sampled at each location and at two more additional sites (120 and 2000 years old) along a chronosequence aligned with the direction of glacial retreat. Analysis suggests older sediments have a lower bulk density and contain fewer large minerals, which we interpret to be indicative of sediment reworking over time. Two months of monitoring data recorded during summer 2021 indicate that the 60-year-old sediments are stratified showing more spatially consistent changes in electrical resistivity, whereas the younger sediments show a more irregular structure, with consequences on heat and moisture conductibility. Furthermore, our sensors reveal that young sediments have a higher moisture content, but a lower moisture content variability.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.2220
ISSN:	1045-6740
Date made live:	14 Mar 2024 16:56 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/537105

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.2220

ISSN:

1045-6740

Date made live:

14 Mar 2024 16:56 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/537105