New concept of permafrost degradation monitoring based on photonics technologies: Case study from Calypsostranda (Bellsund, Svalbard)

Abstract

AbstractGround temperature measurements are crucial for a better understanding of changes in the natural environment, especially in the Arctic. Previous measurement systems provided accurate measurements; however, their most significant disadvantage was the relatively low spatial resolution, including in the vertical profile. The aim of this work was to develop and initially validate a new, original temperature measurement system based on the photonic sensing technique of optical frequency‐domain reflectometry (OFDR). The system consists of a fibre‐optic sensor, an interrogator, and an automatic data acquisition system. Such fibre‐optic sensors allow a significant increase in spatial resolution. Data on precise temperature distribution in the ground profile will allow for a detailed determination of the changes in the thickness of the permafrost active layer (PAL) and, as a consequence, a better description of the current state of the permafrost and the layers above it in relation to their progressive degradation. In the longer term, it will make a better prediction of the pace of possible changes in the polar environment and will open up previously unavailable opportunities in the field of climate change monitoring and forecasting.