Probabilistic estimates of the distribution of near-surface permafrost in Alaska
Distribution of near-surface permafrost in Alaska
Dates
Publication Date
2015-10-16
Citation
Pastick, N.J., Jorgenson, M.T., Wylie, B.K., Nield, S.J., Johnson, K.D., and Finley, A.O., 2015, Probabilistic estimates of the distribution of near-surface (within 1m) permafrost in Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey data release, http://dx.doi.org/10.5066/F7C53HX6.
Summary
High-latitude regions are experiencing rapid and extensive changes in ecosystem composition and function as the result of increases in average air temperature. Increasing air temperatures have led to widespread thawing and degradation of permafrost, which in turn has affected ecosystems, socioeconomics, and the carbon cycle of high latitudes. Research shows that the distribution of permafrost is heterogeneous in nature and that permafrost responds to a wide range of ecological factors. Here we overcome complex interactions between surface and subsurface conditions to map near-surface permafrost using decision-tree models, field observations, remotely sensed and derived data, and climatic indices. The resultant dataset was designed [...]
Summary
High-latitude regions are experiencing rapid and extensive changes in ecosystem composition and function as the result of increases in average air temperature. Increasing air temperatures have led to widespread thawing and degradation of permafrost, which in turn has affected ecosystems, socioeconomics, and the carbon cycle of high latitudes. Research shows that the distribution of permafrost is heterogeneous in nature and that permafrost responds to a wide range of ecological factors. Here we overcome complex interactions between surface and subsurface conditions to map near-surface permafrost using decision-tree models, field observations, remotely sensed and derived data, and climatic indices. The resultant dataset was designed to provide a baseline estimate of the distribution of near-surface (within 1m) permafrost in Alaska which can be useful for regional land-use planning, environmental assessments, and a wide-array of geophysical studies. Accuracy assessments indicate that the overall map accuracy is approximately 85 %, but map accuracies may be lower for small areas (Pastick et al., 2015). Readers are referred to product metadata and Pastick et al., (2015), for a more detailed description as to how this map was produced.
Pastick, Neal J., Jorgenson, M. Torre, Wylie, Bruce K., Nield, Shawn J., Johnson, Kristofer D., and Finley, Andrew O., 2015, Distribution of near-surface permafrost in Alaska: estimates of present and future conditions, Remote Sensing of Environment, v. 168, p. 301-315.
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Related External Resources
Type: Related Primary Publication
Pastick, Neal J., Jorgenson, M. Torre, Wylie, Bruce K., Nield, Shawn J., Johnson, Kristofer D., and Finley, Andrew O., 2015, Distribution of near-surface permafrost in Alaska: estimates of present and future conditions, Remote Sensing of Environment, v. 168, p. 301-315. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2015.07.019.
This medium resolution (i.e. 30-m pixels) spatial dataset provides an estimate of the occurrence of near-surface (within 1 m of the ground surface) permafrost in Alaska. This dataset was developed in support of the Alaska LandCarbon Project. Research related to this product was funded by the U.S. Geological Survey Land Change Science Program.
