Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1264
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1264
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
27 Mar 2026
| 27 Mar 2026
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for The Cryosphere (TC).
Brief communication: On the potential of dual-coil frequency-domain electromagnetic (FDEM) systems to detect frozen layers in mountain permafrost environments
Abstract. Frequency Domain Electromagnetic (FDEM) methods are still rarely applied in mountain permafrost environments, such as rock glaciers. Here, we test a separable dual-coil FDEM system at four mountain permafrost sites and compare the results with Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), the most commonly geophysical method applied in these environments. The comparison shows that FDEM can reproduce key subsurface features identified by ERT and highlights the potential of separable dual-coil FDEM systems for a straightforward, preliminary, first-order assessment of subsurface structures in mountain permafrost environments.
How to cite. Pavoni, M., Guglielmin, M., Bast, A., Ponti, S., Forte, E., Carrera, A., Peruzzo, L., Peracchi, S., Cassiani, G., and Boaga, J.: Brief communication: On the potential of dual-coil frequency-domain electromagnetic (FDEM) systems to detect frozen layers in mountain permafrost environments, EGUsphere [preprint], https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1264, 2026.
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Mirko Pavoni
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Geosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
Mauro Guglielmin
Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
Alexander Bast
Climate Change, Extremes and Natural Hazards in Alpine Regions Research Center CERC, Davos Dorf, Switzerland
WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Permafrost Research Group, Davos Dorf, Switzerland
Stefano Ponti
Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
Emanuele Forte
Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
Alberto Carrera
Department of Geosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
Luca Peruzzo
Department of Geosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
Simone Peracchi
Department of Geosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
Giorgio Cassiani
Department of Geosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
Jacopo Boaga
Department of Geosciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
Short summary
This study explores the potential of the frequency-domain electromagnetic (FDEM) method for investigating mountain permafrost environments such as rock glaciers. Although less accurate than electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), FDEM allows rapid measurements of subsurface electrical properties and requires much lower logistical effort, making it suitable for preliminary surveys in remote areas and for large-scale site characterization.
This study explores the potential of the frequency-domain electromagnetic (FDEM) method for...