Changes to the permafrost environment after forest fire, Da Xi'an Ridge, Gu Lian Mining Area, China

Abstract

Abstract Permafrost field investigations in the Gu Lian Mining area of Great Xi'an Ridge (in Chinese: DA HINGAN LING) was undertaken in the second year following a forest fire. It was found that after the fire air temperature, ground temperature, evaporation (measured by pan) and wind velocity increased but humidity, ground ice and water content decreased. These changes led to an increase in seasonal thaw depths. These results illustrate that the permafrost environment is changed greatly by forest fire.