ABSTRACT
The construction of embankments on permafrost induces many engineering damages resulted from permafrost degradation. Past researches pay more attentions on the influence of the climate warming on the thermal stability of embankments in permafrost regions, while the influence and the influence mechanism of changing precipitation on the thermal stability of embankments have not been fully understood. We employed a coupled model for water-heat transport to study the influence of the precipitation on the heat and mass transfer balance between the ground surface and atmosphere and the heat-moisture dynamics of embankments, and to reveal the influence mechanism. The results show that increasing precipitation changes the surface energy balance and favors the long-term stability of the embankment in permafrost regions of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, more water infiltration and water accumulation near permafrost table caused by increasing precipitation potentially increase the risk of frost heave and some countermeasures should be applied to prevent water-related damages.
