Engineering & Technologies, Vol 8, No 6 (2015)

WATER MASS DYNAMICS IN CRYOLITHOZONE OF CENTRAL SIBERIA BASED ON GRACE REMOTE SENSING DATA

Sergei Im, Viatcheslav Kharuk

Abstract


An investigation of application of gravimetric data from GRACE twin satellite mission for estimation of equivalent water thickness anomalies dynamics caused by climate change were carried out. Significant trends of water mass for the period 2003-2012 were revealed. During 2003–2008, positive trends of water mass dynamics with subsequent stabilization linked to dynamic of precipitation, temperature and potential evapotranspiration were observed. Dependence of rate of water accumulation from soil properties was determined. Significant content of gravel in soil accelerates water accumulation (r = 0.72, α < 0.02) and increased content of clay decreases rate of water accumulation (r = –0.69…–0.77, a < 0.02). Determined tendencies in water mass dynamics, probably, indicates increasing of permafrost thaw depth in Taimyr Peninsula, in Central Siberian Plateau and in the western part of the Lena River’s basin.