Speaker: Lin Liu, Associate Professor, Earth System Science Program, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Host: Xiaohua Xu
Title: Geophysical investigations of thawing permafrost
Abstract: Accumulating observational evidence shows widespread thawing and degradation of perennially-frozen ground known as permafrost. Thawing permafrost has profound effects on terrestrial ecosystems, hydrologic and landscape processes, and infrastructure. However, it is challenging to study and monitor permafrost mainly because it is purely defined by the subsurface thermal condition. Through a few local to regional-scale studies, I will show how integrative measurements using geophysical methods, such as Ground Penetrating Radar, space-borne Radar Interferometry, and Surface Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, offer quantitative understandings on surface and subsurface processes associated with thawing ice-rich permafrost.
Lin Liu (left) and Alessio Gusmeroli conducting a ground-penetrating radar survey in northern Alaska. Credit: Lin Liu 
Lin Liu and field crew examining a deep sinkhole formed by thawing permafrost in Tibet. Credit: Lin Liu
