Climate Change Science
USGS Contributions to the Climate Change Science ProgramPERMAFROST MONITORINGThe Department of Interior's (DOI) permafrost network in Alaska is part of a global network of permafrost monitoring stations (GTN-P) designed to monitor for changes in the solid-earth component of the earth's cryosphere. Changes in permafrost temperature and active-layer thickness reflect changes in surface climate over time, and therefore serve as useful indicators of climate change. GTN-P is one of several global networks designed to monitor for changes in the terrestrial component of the earth's climate system. The GTN-P network is able to monitor the active layer (the surface layer that freezes and thaws annually) and the thermal state of the underlying permafrost. Active layer measurements are made using automated semi-permanent surface instrument stations, whereas the deeper permafrost is monitored through periodic downhole temperature measurements in boreholes. DOI's contribution to GTN-P results from collaboration among USGS, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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