Articles | Volume 12, issue 6
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-1957-2018
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-1957-2018
Research article
 | 
11 Jun 2018
Research article |  | 11 Jun 2018

Microtopographic control on the ground thermal regime in ice wedge polygons

Charles J. Abolt, Michael H. Young, Adam L. Atchley, and Dylan R. Harp

Data sets

Sensitivity analysis of ice wedge temperature to polygonal microtopography C. J. Abolt, M. H. Young, A. L. Atchley, and D. H. Harp https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1284604

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Short summary
We investigate the relationship between ice wedge polygon topography and near-surface ground temperature using a combination of field work and numerical modeling. We analyze a year-long record of ground temperature across a low-centered polygon, then demonstrate that lower rims and deeper troughs promote warmer conditions in the ice wedge in winter. This finding implies that ice wedge cracking and growth, which are driven by cold conditions, can be impeded by rim erosion or trough subsidence.