GCOS Essential Climate Variables (ECV)
Terrestial/ECV T7 - Permafrost & Seasonally Frozen Ground

Decadal changes in permafrost temperatures and depth of seasonal freezing/thawing are reliable indicators of climate change in high latitude and mountain regions. Warming may result in a reduction in the extent of permafrost and can have an impact on terrain stability and moisture and gas fluxes. Like glaciers, mountain permafrost and seasonally-frozen ground can also provide a significant contribution to summer water availability. Standardized in situ measurements are essential, both to calibrate and to verify regional and global climate change. (from the FAO/GTOS web site)

• ECV T7 Permafrost - Assessment of the Status of the Development of the Standards for the Terrestial Essential Climate Variables (ECV) Version 13, 8 May 2009 (GTOS-62))

[ECV Matrix Main Page] [Reference Documents] [Contact] [Updated April 7, 2010]

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