Advances in geophysical methods for permafrost investigations

Abstract Geophysical techniques can be used to examine the spatial distribution of subsurface geophysical properties to delineate horizontally and vertically the active layer, permafrost and taliks. Spatial and temporal changes in subsurface geophysical properties due to permafrost cooling, warming, aggradation or degradation can also be assessed through geophysical monitoring. This paper reviews the geophysical methods most frequently applied in mountain and arctic/subarctic lowland permafrost investigations. Key results and recommendations based on the analysis of the applicability and reliability of different geophysical techniques for permafrost studies are summarised. Emphasis is put on the tomographic capabilities of geophysical methods. Recent advances in application and data interpretation are shown in relation to five case studies, and future perspectives are highlighted. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.