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Low-Altitude, Overcooled Scree Slope: Insights into Temperature Distribution Using High-Resolution Thermal Imagery in the Romanian Carpathians

Author

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  • Andrei Ioniță

    (Institute for Advanced Environmental Research (ICAM), West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
    Department of Geography, West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania)

  • Iosif Lopătiță

    (Department of Geography, West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania)

  • Petru Urdea

    (Institute for Advanced Environmental Research (ICAM), West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
    Department of Geography, West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania)

  • Oana Berzescu

    (Institute for Advanced Environmental Research (ICAM), West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
    Department of Geography, West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania)

  • Alexandru Onaca

    (Institute for Advanced Environmental Research (ICAM), West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
    Department of Geography, West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania)

Abstract

Advective heat fluxes (chimney effect) in porous debris facilitate ground cooling on scree slopes, even at low altitudes, and promote the occurrence of sporadic permafrost. The spatial distribution of ground surface temperature on an overcooled, low-altitude scree slope in the Romanian Carpathians was analyzed using UAV-based infrared thermography in different seasons. The analysis revealed significant temperature gradients within the scree slope, with colder, forest-insulated lower sections contrasting with warmer, solar-exposed upper regions. Across all surveyed seasons, this pattern remained evident, with the strongest temperature contrasts in December and April. February exhibited the most stable temperatures, with thermal readings primarily corresponding to snow surfaces rather than exposed rock. Rock surfaces displayed greater temperature variation than vent holes. Vent holes were generally cooler than rock surfaces, particularly in warmer periods. The persistent presence of ice and low temperatures at the end of the warm season suggested the potential existence of isolated permafrost. The results confirm the chimney effect, where cold air infiltrates the lower talus, gradually warms as it ascends, and outflows at higher elevations. UAV-based thermal imagery proved effective in detecting microclimatic variability and elucidating thermal processes governing talus slopes. This study provides valuable insights into extrazonal permafrost behavior, particularly in the context of global climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrei Ioniță & Iosif Lopătiță & Petru Urdea & Oana Berzescu & Alexandru Onaca, 2025. "Low-Altitude, Overcooled Scree Slope: Insights into Temperature Distribution Using High-Resolution Thermal Imagery in the Romanian Carpathians," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:607-:d:1611556
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Miloslav Zacharda & Martin Gude & Vlastimil Růžička, 2007. "Thermal regime of three low elevation scree slopes in central Europe," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 18(3), pages 301-308, July.
    2. Christof Kneisel & Christian Hauck & Daniel Vonder Mühll, 2000. "Permafrost below the Timberline Confirmed and Characterized by Geoelectrical Resistivity Measurements, Bever Valley, Eastern Swiss Alps," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 11(4), pages 295-304, December.
    3. Jonas Wicky & Christin Hilbich & Reynald Delaloye & Christian Hauck, 2024. "Modeling the Link Between Air Convection and the Occurrence of Short‐Term Permafrost in a Low‐Altitude Cold Talus Slope," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 35(2), pages 202-217, April.
    4. Håvard Juliussen & Ole Humlum, 2008. "Thermal regime of openwork block fields on the mountains Elgåhogna and Sølen, central‐eastern Norway," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(1), pages 1-18, January.
    5. Stuart A. Harris & David E. Pedersen, 1998. "Thermal regimes beneath coarse blocky materials," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 9(2), pages 107-120, April.
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