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Cryptic Ice Wedge Networks in Holocene Peat, Yukon‐Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

Author

Listed:
  • Benjamin M. Jones
  • Mikhail Z. Kanevskiy
  • Melissa K. Ward Jones
  • Phillip R. Wilson
  • Isaiah Ditmer
  • Benjamin V. Gaglioti
  • Eric S. Klein
  • Rodrigo C. Rangel
  • Kristi L. Wallace
  • Miriam C. Jones
  • Matthew J. Wooller
  • Yuri Shur

Abstract

The Yukon‐Kuskokwim Delta (YKD), covering ~75,000 km2 of Alaska's discontinuous permafrost zone, has a historic (1902–2023) mean annual air temperature of ~−1°C and was previously thought to lack ice wedge networks. However, our recent investigations near Bethel, Alaska, revealed numerous near‐surface ice wedges. Using 20 cm resolution aerial orthoimagery from 2018, we identified ~50 linear km of ice wedge troughs in a 60 km2 study area. Fieldwork in 2023 and 2024 confirmed ice wedges up to ~1.5 m wide and ~2.5 m in vertical extent, situated on average 0.9 m below the tundra surface (n = 29). Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) detected additional ice wedges beyond those visible in the remote sensing imagery, suggesting an underestimation of their true abundance. Coring of polygonal centers revealed late‐Quaternary deposits, including thick early Holocene peat, late‐Pleistocene ice‐rich silts (reworked Yedoma), charcoal layers from tundra fires, and the Aniakchak CFE II tephra (~3600 cal yrs BP). Stable water isotopes from Bethel's wedge ice (mean δ18O = −15.7 ‰, δ2H = −113.1 ‰) indicate a relatively enriched signature compared to other Holocene ice wedges in Alaska, likely due to warmer temperatures and maritime influences. Expanding our mapping across the YKD using high‐resolution satellite imagery from 2012 to 2024, we estimate that the Holocene ice wedge zone encompasses ~30% of the YKD tundra region. Our findings demonstrate that ice wedge networks are more widespread across the YKD than previously recognized, emphasizing both the resilience and vulnerability of the region's warm, ice‐rich permafrost. These insights are crucial for understanding permafrost responses to climate change and assessing agricultural potential and development in the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin M. Jones & Mikhail Z. Kanevskiy & Melissa K. Ward Jones & Phillip R. Wilson & Isaiah Ditmer & Benjamin V. Gaglioti & Eric S. Klein & Rodrigo C. Rangel & Kristi L. Wallace & Miriam C. Jones & , 2025. "Cryptic Ice Wedge Networks in Holocene Peat, Yukon‐Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 36(4), pages 678-701, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:perpro:v:36:y:2025:i:4:p:678-701
    DOI: 10.1002/ppp.70004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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