Patterns of permafrost formation and degradation in relation to climate and ecosystems

Abstract We develop a permafrost classification system to describe the complex interaction of climatic and ecological processes in permafrost formation and degradation that differentiates five patterns of formation: ‘climate‐driven’; ‘climate‐driven, ecosystem‐modified’; ‘climate‐driven, ecosystem‐protected’; ‘ecosystem‐driven’; and ‘ecosystem‐protected’ permafrost. Climate‐driven permafrost develops in the continuous permafrost zone, where permafrost forms immediately after the surface is exposed to the atmosphere and even under shallow water. Climate‐driven, ecosystem‐modified permafrost occurs in the continuous permafrost zone when vegetation succession and organic‐matter accumulation lead to development of…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• JH
  Johns Hopkins University