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Evolution of Active Layer Thickness in Permafrost of McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica: A Two‐Decade Study (2003–2022)

Author

Listed:
  • Wenxuan Xue
  • Zhiwei Zhou
  • Liming Jiang
  • Hansheng Wang
  • Zhida Xu
  • Zhiping Jiao

Abstract

Understanding the evolution of permafrost extent and active layer thickness (ALT) surrounding Antarctica is critical to global climate change and ecosystem transformations in the polar regions. However, due to the remoteness and harsh environment of Antarctica, most studies lack long‐term and a regional perspective on the variations of ALT in Antarctica, resulting in hindering accurate assessment of ALT dynamics. In this study, based on MODIS land surface temperature (LST) and soil climate station data, we used the Stefan model to reconstruct ALT in the ice‐free area of the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV) in East Antarctica from 2003 to 2022. The modeled ALT was verified against ground observations showing a good correlation (R) of 0.72 (p

Suggested Citation

  • Wenxuan Xue & Zhiwei Zhou & Liming Jiang & Hansheng Wang & Zhida Xu & Zhiping Jiao, 2025. "Evolution of Active Layer Thickness in Permafrost of McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica: A Two‐Decade Study (2003–2022)," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 36(4), pages 752-763, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:perpro:v:36:y:2025:i:4:p:752-763
    DOI: 10.1002/ppp.70005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Boris K. Biskaborn & Sharon L. Smith & Jeannette Noetzli & Heidrun Matthes & Gonçalo Vieira & Dmitry A. Streletskiy & Philippe Schoeneich & Vladimir E. Romanovsky & Antoni G. Lewkowicz & Andrey Abramo, 2019. "Permafrost is warming at a global scale," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Barret L. Kurylyk & Masaki Hayashi, 2016. "Improved Stefan Equation Correction Factors to Accommodate Sensible Heat Storage during Soil Freezing or Thawing," Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(2), pages 189-203, April.
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