Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2349
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2349
02 Jan 2024
 | 02 Jan 2024

Modeling the effect of free convection on permafrost melting-rates in frozen rock-clefts

Amir Sedaghatkish, Frédéric Doumenc, Pierre-Yves Jeannin, and Marc Luetscher

Abstract. Fully coupled heat transfer modeling during the thawing of frozen rock clefts yields melting rates that differ from those predicted by conventional conduction-based models. This research develops a conceptual model of a karst system subject to mountain permafrost supported by a numerical simulation incorporating free water convection. The numerical simulations rely on the apparent heat capacity method and the Darcy approach for energy and momentum equations. Notably, the anomalous behavior of water between 0 and 4 ℃ causes warmer meltwater to flow downwards, increasing the melting rate by approximately an order of magnitude as compared to conventional models that disregard free convection. The model outcomes are compared qualitatively with field data from Monlesi ice cave (Switzerland) and confirm the close agreement between the proposed model and real-world observations.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

02 Oct 2024
Modelling the effect of free convection on permafrost melting rates in frozen rock clefts
Amir Sedaghatkish, Frédéric Doumenc, Pierre-Yves Jeannin, and Marc Luetscher
The Cryosphere, 18, 4531–4546, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4531-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4531-2024, 2024
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The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

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We developed a model to simulate the natural convection of water within frozen rock crevices...
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