ABSTRACT

The intent of permafrost mapping is to show on a map the regularities of the formation and development of seasonally and perennially frozen ground that are present in a given landscape. Permafrost mapping is used to be carried out using field work and aerial photography where available. Specialized forecasting maps can be produced for forecasting the effects of special modifications due to fire or removal of snow or vegetation. Mapping of the permafrost distribution on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has been aided by modelling. To map the mean annual ground temperature (MAGT) on the Plateau, regression analysis of the relationship between MAGT, latitude and elevation was performed using data from 76 boreholes along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. Since the 1980s, there have been tremendous advances in the use of geophysical methods of obtaining a picture of permafrost distribution and thickness, ice content and active layer thickness.