Description
Permafrost is defined as ground which remains at or below 0°C isotherm for at least two years. It encompasses the perennially frozen ground surrounded by a cryopeg, i.e. a ground layer in which water remains unfrozen at sub-zero temperatures. Furthermore, “dry” permafrost results when water is absent.
Permafrost originates from the ground surface depending on a complex heat exchange process across the atmosphere/ ground boundary layers and on an almost time-invariant geothermal heat flow from the Earth’s interior due largely to radioactive decay of long-lived isotopes of uranium (U), thorium (Th) and potassium (K).
SKB Number
SKB FEP Number
Main Category
Main category for FEP
Sub-category
Sub-category for FEP
Handling
Explanation of how the FEP is treated
References
Bibliographic references to obtain more information