Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of increasing rainfall on the thermal—moisture dynamics of permafrost active layer in the central Qinghai—Tibet Plateau

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Journal of Mountain Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In the past several decades, the trend of rainfall have been significantly increasing in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which inevitably leads to a change in the surface energy balance processes and thermal-moisture status of the permafrost active layers. However, the influence of mechanisms and associated effects of increasing rainfall on active layers are still poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, a validated coupled numerical water-vapor-heat model was applied for simulating the surface energy components, liquid and vapor water migration, and energy transfer within the permafrost active layer under the action of increasing rainfall in the case of an especially wet year. The obtained results demonstrate that the surface heat flux decreases with the increase in rainfall, and the dominant form of energy exchange between the ground and atmosphere becomes the latent heat flux, which is beneficial for the preservation of permafrost. The increasing rainfall will also cause the migration of liquid and vapor water, and the migration of liquid will be more significant. The liquid and vapor water migration caused by the increasing rainfall is also accompanied by energy transfer. With the increase in rainfall, the decrease in total soil heat flux directly leads to a cooling effect on the soil, and then the upper limit of the frozen soil rises, which alleviates the degradation of permafrost. These results provide further insights into engineering structures, regional ecological climate change, hydrology, and environmental issues in permafrost regions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adriaan A, Van DG, Owe M (1994) Bare soil surface resistance to evaporation by vapor diffusion under semiarid conditions. Water Resour Res 30:181–188. https://doi.org/10.1029/93WR02747

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • An N, Hemmati S, Cui YJ, et al. (2018) Numerical analysis of hydro-thermal behaviour of Rouen embankment under climate effect. Comput Geotech 99:137–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2018.03.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Banimahd SA, Zand-Parsa S (2013) Simulation of evaporation, coupled liquid water, water vapor and heat transport through the soil medium. Agric Water Manage 130:168–177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2013.08.022

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown J, Hinkel KM, Nelson FE (2000) The circumpolar active layer monitoring (calm) program: Research designs and initial results. Polar Geography 24:166–258. https://doi.org/10.1080/10889370009377698

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng GD, Zhao L, Li R, et al. (2019) Characteristic, changes and impacts of permafrost on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Chin Sci Bull 64:2783–2795. (In Chinese)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dong YH, Peng H, Luo T, et al. (2019) Degradation Characteristics of the Permafrost at Typical Sites along Qinghai-Tibet Expressway in the Next 50 years under Climate Warming Background. J Catastrophology 34:20–25. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ge J, Yu Y, Li ZC, et al. (2016) Impacts of Freeze/Thaw Processes on Land Surface Energy Fluxes in the Permafrost Region of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Plateau Meteorology 35:608–620. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Grenier C, Anbergen H, Bense V, et al. (2018) Groundwater flow and heat transport for systems undergoing freeze-thaw: Intercomparison of numerical simulators for 2D test cases. Adv Water Resour 114: 196–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advwatres.2018.02.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gu L, Yao J, Hu Z, et al. (2015) Comparison of the surface energy budget between regions of seasonally frozen ground and permafrost on the Tibetan Plateau. Atmos Res 153:553–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2014.10.012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jame YW, Norum DI (1980) Heat and mass transfer in a freezing unsaturated porous media. Water Resour Res 16:811–819. https://doi.org/10.1029/WR0161004p00811

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jorgenson MT, Osterkamp TE (2005) Response of boreal ecosystems to varying modes of permafrost degradation. Can J For Res 35:2100–2111. https://doi.org/10.1139/x05-153

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jorgenson MT, Romanovsky V, Harden J, et al. (2010) Resilience and Vulnerability of Permafrost to Climate Change. Can J For Res 40:1219–1236. https://doi.org/10.1139/X10-060

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kokelj SV, Lantz TC, Wolfe SA, et al. (2014) Distribution and activity of ice wedges across the forest-tundra transition, western Arctic Canada. J Geophysical Res Earth Surface 119:2032–2047. https://doi.org/10.1002/2014JF003085

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kokelj SV, Tunnicliffe J, Lacelle D, et al. (2015) Increased precipitation drives mega slump development and destabilization of ice-rich permafrost terrain, northwestern Canada. Glob & Planet Change 129:56–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2015.02.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kokfelt U, ROSéN P, Schoning K, et al. (2009) Ecosystem responses to increased precipitation and permafrost decay in subarctic Sweden inferred from peat and lake sediments. Glob Change Biol 15:1652–1663. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2009.01880.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kung SKJ, Steenhuis TS (1986) Heat and moisture transfer in a partly frozen nonheaving soil. Soil Sci Soc Am, 50:1114–1122. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1986.03615995005000050005x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kurylyk BL, Watanabe K (2013) The mathematical representation of freezing and thawing processes in variably-saturated, non-deformable soils-ScienceDirect. Adv Water Resour 60:160–177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advwatres.2013.07.016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kurylyk, BL, MacQuarrie KT, McKenzie JM (2014) Climate change impacts on groundwater and soil temperatures in cold and temperate regions: Implications, mathematical theory, and emerging simulation tools. Earth-Sci Rev 138: 313–334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2014.06.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li DS, Wen Z, Cheng QG, et al. (2019) Thermal dynamics of the permafrost active layer under increased precipitation at the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. J Mt Sci 16:309–322. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-018-5153-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li DS, Zhang ML, Wen Z, et al. (2020) Quantitative evaluation of characteristic precipitation event (CPE)’s effect on hydrothermal state of active layer in Beiluhe area. Nat Hazards 2020:1–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-020-04401-1

    Google Scholar 

  • Li HX, Qin GH, Zhang YQ, et al. (2016) Analysis on the Trends of Hydroclimatic Variation in Eastern Tibetan Plateau. J N Chi University Water Resour Electr Power (Nat Sci Edit) 2016:71–77. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li R, Zhao L, Ding YJ, et al. (2007) The Features of Each Components in the Surface Heat Balance Equation over Wudaoliang Northern Tibetan Plateau. Mt Res 2007:664–670. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li R, Zhao L, Wu T, et al. (2014) The impact of surface energy exchange on the thawing process of active layer over the northern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China. Environ Earth Sci 72:2091–2099. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3117-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li XL, Ma W, Mu YH, et al. (2020) Influence of boundary conditions on the thermal stability of expressway constructed with an integral and two separated embankments in permafrost zones. J Cent South Univ (Sci Technol) 51:420–432. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Linsley RK, Kohler MA, Paulhus JLH (1982) Hydrology for Engineers, London, England. McGraw-Hill International Book Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu H, Shao Q, Liu J, et al. (2007) Temporo-spatial Distribution of Summer Precipitationover Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during the Last 44 Years. Acta Geographica Sinica 62:946–958. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Luo J, Niu FJ, Lin ZJ, et al. (2012) Permafrost Features around a Representative Thermokarst Lake in Beiluhe on the Tibetan Plateau. J Glaciology Geocryology 34:1110–1117. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Luo JX, Lv SH, Ma CL, et al. (2020) Simulation Analysis of Soil Water and Heat Characteristics in High and Low Snowfall Years on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Plateau Meteorology 2020:1–12. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma Y, Zhang Y, Zubrzycki S, et al. (2016) Hillslope-Scale Variability in Seasonal Frost Depth and Soil Water Content Investigated by GPR on the Southern Margin of the Sporadic Permafrost Zone on the Tibetan Plateau. Permafr & Periglac Processes 26:321–334. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.1844

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Philip JR, Devries DA (1957) Moisture movement in porous materials under temperature gradients. Transactions, Am Geophysical Union 38:222–232. https://doi.org/10.1029/TR038i002p00222

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pisello AL, Pignatta G, Castaldo VL, et al. (2014) Experimental analysis of natural gravel covering as cool roof and cool pavement. Sustainability 6:4706–4722. https://doi.org/10.3390/su6084706

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poutou E, Krinner G, Genthon C, et al. (2004) Role of soil freezing in future boreal climate change. Clim Dyn 23:621–639. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00382-004-0459-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qiao G (2012) Mathematical Methods for Physics, Beijing, China. Science Press. pp 124. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Qin YH, Li Y, Bao T (2020) An experimental study of reflective shading devices for cooling roadbeds in permafrost regions. Sol Energy 205:135–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2020.05.054

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Quinn TJ, Martin JE (1985) A radiometric determination of the Stefan-Boltzmann constant and thermodynamic temperatures between −40°C and +100°C. Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences 316:85–189. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.1985.0058

    Google Scholar 

  • Romanovsky VE, Drozdov DS, Oberman NG, et al. (2010) Thermal State of Permafrost in Russia. Permafrost Periglacial Processes 21:136–155. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.683

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saito H, Imnek J, Mohanty BP (2006) Numerical Analysis of Coupled Water, Vapor, and Heat Transport in the Vadose Zone. Vadose Zone J 5:784–800. https://doi.org/10.2136/vzj2006.0007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sakai M, Toride N, Šimůnek J (2009) Water and Vapor Movement with Condensation and Evaporation in a Sandy Column. Soil Sci Soc Am 73:707–717. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2008.0094

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schuur EAG, Bockheim J, Canadell JG, et al. (2008) Vulnerability of permafrost carbon to climate change: implications for the global carbon cycle. Bioscience 58:701–714. https://doi.org/10.1641/B580807

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Subin ZM, Koven CD, Riley WJ, et al. (2013) Effects of Soil Moisture on the Responses of Soil Temperatures to Climate Change in Cold Regions. J Clim 26:3139–3158. https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-12-00305.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun LC, Zhao L, Li R, et al. (2014) Effects of Precipitation on the Permafrost Ground Surface Energy Fluxes. J Longdong University 25:41–46. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun LC, Zhao L, Li R, et al. (2020) Seasonal Changes and Major Influencing Factors of Surface Albedo in the Permafrost Regions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Hinterland, China. Mt Res 38:9–18. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tian Y, Dickinson RE, Zhou L, et al. (2004) Comparison of seasonal and spatial variations of leaf area index and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Common Land Model. J Geophysical Res: Atmospheres 109:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1029/2003JD003777

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Timlin DJ, Pachepsky Y, Acock BA, et al. (2002) Error analysis of soil temperature simulations using measured and estimated hourly weather data with 2DSOIL. Agric Syst 72:215–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/So,308-521X(01)00075-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang WH, Wu TH, Li R, et al. (2017) An overview of advances on moisture migration of the active layer in permafrost regions of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. J Northwest Norm University (Nat Sci) 53:102–111. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen Z, Sheng Y, Ma W, et al. (2005) Experimental Studies of Thermal Conductivity of Undisturbed Permafrost at Beiluhe Testing Site on the Tibetan Plateau. J Glaciology Geocryology 27:182–187. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen Z, Niu FJ, Yu QH, et al. (2014) The role of rainfall in the thermal-moisture dynamics of the active layer at Beiluhe of Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Environ Earth Sci 71:1195–1204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-2523-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wen Z, Zhang ML, Ma W, et al. (2015) Thermal-moisture dynamics of embankments with asphalt pavement in permafrost regions of central Tibetan Plateau. Eur J Environ Civ Eng 19:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/19648189.2014.945043

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Willmott CJ (1981) On the validation of models. Phys Geogr 2:184–194. https://doi.org/10.1080/02723646.1981.10642213

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu Q, Hou Y, Yun H, et al. (2015) Changes in active-layer thickness and near-surface permafrost between 2002 and 2012 in alpine ecosystems, Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau, China. Glob & Planet Change 124: 149–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2014.09.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu QB, Zhang ZQ, Liu Ge (2020) Relationships between climate warming and engineering stability of permafrost on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. J Eng Geol 2020:1–15. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu TH, Zhao L, Li R, et al. (2012) Recent ground surface warming and its effects on permafrost on the central Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Int J Climatol 33:920–930. https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.3479

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu XM, Wu QB, Zhang ZQ (2017) Responses of active layer thickness on the Qinghai- Tibet Plateau to climate change. J Glaciology Geocryology 39:1–8. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu XZ, Wang JC, Zhang LX (2010) Frozen Soil Physics, Beijing, China. Science Press. pp 85, 81 and 108. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang M, Yao T, Gou X, et al. (2007) Comparison analysis of the summer monsoon precipitation between northern and southern slopes of Tanggula Mountains, Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau: a case study in summer 1998. Hydrol Processes 21:1841–1847. https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.6319

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang YP, Meng JB, Han LW, et al. (2018) Response of Permafrost to Global Climate Change in Engineering Corridor of Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Chi Railw Sci 39:1–7. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ye WG (2012) College physics, Beijing, China. Tsinghua University Press. pp 156. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu L, Zeng YJ, Su Z (2020) Understanding the mass, momentum, and energy transfer in the frozen soil with three levels of model complexities. Hydrol Earth Syst Sci 24: 4813–4830. https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4813-2020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yue GY, Zhao L, Zhao YP, et al. (2013) Relation Between Soil Properties in Permafrost Active Layer and Surface Vegetation in Xidatan on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. J Glaciology Geocryology 35:565–573. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zeng YJ, Su Z, Wan L, et al. (2011) A simulation analysis of the advective effect on evaporation using a two-phase heat and mass flow model. Water Resour Res 47:1–18. https://doi.org/10.1029/2011WR010701

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang ML, Wen Z, Dong JH, et al. (2017) The influence of rainfall increasing on thermal-moisture dynamics of railway embankment in cold regions. Chi J Rock Mechanics Eng 36:2580–2590. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang ML, Wen Z, Xue K, et al. (2016a) A coupled model for liquid water, water vapor and heat transport of saturated-unsaturated soil in cold regions: model formulation and verification. Environ Earth Sci 75:1–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-5499-3

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang ML, Wen Z, Xue K, et al. (2016b) The effects of precipitation on thermal-moisture dynamics of active layer at Beiluhe permafrost region. J Arid Land Resour Environ 30:159–164. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang ML, Wen Z, Li DS, et al. (2021) Impact process and mechanism of summertime rainfall on thermal-moisture regime of active layer in permafrost regions of central Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Sci Total Environ 796:1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148970

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang SY, Li XY, Ma YJ, et al. (2014) Interannual and seasonal variability in evapotranspiration and energy partitioning over the alpine riparian shrub Myricaria squamosa Desv. on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Cold Reg Sci Tech 102:8–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2014.02.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang T, Barry RG, Gilichinsky D, et al. (2001) An Amplified Signal of Climatic Change in Soil Temperatures during the Last Century at Irkutsk, Russia. Clim Change 49:41–76. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010790203146

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang TJ (2005) Influence of the seasonal snow cover on the ground thermal regime: An overview. Rev Geophys 43:1–23. https://doi.org/10.1029/2004RG000157

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang ZQ, Wu QB, Jiang G, et al. (2020) Changes in the permafrost temperatures from 2003 to 2015 in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Cold Reg Sci Tech 169:1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2019.102904

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang ZQ, Wu QB, Gao S, et al. (2017) Response of the soil hydrothermal process to difference underlying conditions in the Beiluhe permafrost region. Environ Earth Sci 76:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-6518-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang ZQ, Wu QB, Liu YZ, et al. (2015a) Response of shallow ground temperature to precipitation at different ground covers in permafrost region. J Eng Geology 23:948–953. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang ZQ, Wu QB, Wen Z, et al. (2015b) Analysis of the radiation characteristics on asphalt pavement in Beiluhe section in the Tibetan Plateau. J Glaciology Geocryology 37:408–416. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao L, Cheng GD, Li SX, et al. (2000) Freezing and thawing process of permafrost active layer near Wudaoliang, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Chi Sci Bull 2000:1205–1211. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02886326

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao L, Hu GJ, Zou DF, et al. (2019) Permafrost Changes and Its Effects on Hydrological Processes on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Bull Chi Academy Sci 34:1233–1246. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou HY, Zhao L, Tian LM, et al. (2019) Monitoring and analysis of surface deformation in the permafrost area of Wudaoliang on the Tibetan Plateau based on Sentinel-1 data. J Glaciology Geocryology 41:525–536. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou J, Kinzelbach W, Cheng G, et al. (2013) Monitoring and modeling the influence of snow pack and organic soil on a permafrost active layer, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China. Cold Reg Sci Tech 90–91:38–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2013.03.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (No.41801033, No.41961010); Young doctor Foundation of Education Department of Gansu Province (2021QB-039); open fund of the State Key Laboratory of Frozen Soil Engineering (SKLFSE201804); Hongliu Support Funds for Excellent Youth Talents of Lanzhou University of Technology (Dr. ZHANG Mingli); Industrial support program of higher education of Gansu province (2020C-40); Basic Research Innovation Group of Gansu province (20JR5RA478). The authors wish to show their appreciation to Professor WEN Zhi from State Key Laboratory of Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environmental and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences for method supervision and meteorological data. Thanks also go to three anonymous reviewers whose comments and suggestions have helped greatly improve the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Civil Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, 730050, China

    Zhi-xiong Zhou, Feng-xi Zhou, Ming-li Zhang, Bing-bing Lei & Zhao Ma

  2. State Key Laboratory of Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environmental and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China

    Ming-li Zhang

  3. Geological Hazards Prevention Institute, Gansu Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China

    Ming-li Zhang

Authors
  1. Zhi-xiong Zhou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Feng-xi Zhou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ming-li Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Bing-bing Lei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Zhao Ma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ming-li Zhang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhou, Zx., Zhou, Fx., Zhang, Ml. et al. Effect of increasing rainfall on the thermal—moisture dynamics of permafrost active layer in the central Qinghai—Tibet Plateau. J. Mt. Sci. 18, 2929–2945 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-021-6707-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-021-6707-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation