PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Sand layer plays a key role in protecting the underlying permafrost in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

2012-03-05
(Press-News.org) The permafrost is degrading, and at the same time, the desertification is also developing at the surface of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, under the condition of global warming. Sand layer is accelerated permafrost degradation or protecting permafrost? No significant conclusions have been drawn currently. Some studies have shown that ground temperature in regions of windblown sand within the permafrost zone of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are higher than in regions not affected by sand, which may accelerate the degradation of permafrost. Other studies have shown the dual nature of the sand layer on the ground temperature: the ground temperature in a zone of thick sand layer coverage is higher than that in a non-sandy zone, thereby accelerating the thawing of permafrost, whereas the ground temperature in a zone of thin sand layer coverage is lower than that in a non-sandy zone, thereby protecting the permafrost. Because of the conditions and technical limitations during that period, the above researches comprise only sporadic observations and simple reasoning. Moreover, lack long-term observations and systematic research; therefore, the conclusions vary, and sometimes even contradict one another.

In order to clarify the scientific problems, Prof. Jianjun Qu and his student Dr. Shengbo Xie of the Key Laboratory of Desert and Desertification, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, were funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Knowledge Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences, an experimental field was set up by them in the hinterland desert permafrost regions of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, in 2010. Synchronized contrasting observations were made in an open area, and observations of the ground temperature of permafrost below sand layer covering were conducted more than one year. Sand layer was found to plays a key role in protecting the underlying permafrost in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Their research work, entitled "New discoveries on the effects of desertification on the ground temperature of permafrost and its significance to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau", was published in Chinese Science Bulletin. 2012, Vol 57.

The result shows that, in the desert permafrost regions of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the ground temperature below thick sand layer was bounded near the permafrost table, compared to that of the natural ground surface. The ground temperature of the permafrost below this depth decreased during the observation period. Moreover, the ground temperature in the active layer above the depth varied with the seasons. i.e., the ground temperature decreased during the summer half-year (May to September), and increased in negative value, however, the whole permafrost layer below the ground surface was in a frozen state during the winter half-year (November to March), lead to the annual range of ground temperature decreased, with April and October being transitional stages. During the month of April, the soil turned from the frozen state into the thawed state, and the ground temperature of the active layer below the thick sand layer was lower than the temperature of the natural surface. During the month of October, the soil turned from the thawed state into the frozen state, and the ground temperature of the active layer below the thick sand layer was higher than the temperature of the natural surface. The ground temperature near the permafrost table below the thin sand layer was decreased throughout the year, whereas the ground temperature difference in the upper active layer and underlying permafrost layer gradually decreased. Thus, the sand layer in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, in general, preserves the underlying permafrost. The method of sand coverage can be considered in the future practice of permafrost protection; this work could provide a new idea to protect the permafrost in the regions of engineering construction.

The result also shows that, the changes in the ground temperature of the permafrost below sand layer can be attributed mainly to the differences of reflectivity and heat conductivity between the sand layer and natural ground surface in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The sand layer causes a stronger blocking effect to the heat exchange of land–atmosphere system because of its high reflectivity and poor heat conductivity, compared to that of the natural ground surface. During the summer half-year, the surface air temperature was positive in value and higher than the ground temperature, the sand layer blocked the downward transfer of surface heat; during the winter half-year, the surface air temperature was negative in value and lower than the ground temperature. Similarly, the sand layer prevented the upward transfer of underground heat.

The scientific significance of the research is not only to present an exploration of the interaction between desertification and permafrost, enriched the theoretical system of geocryology and desert science, but also has the reference value to permafrost engineering.

INFORMATION:

See the article: Xie S B, Qu J J, Zu R P, et al. New discoveries on the effects of desertification on the ground temperature of permafrost and its significance to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2012, 57:838-842

END



ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Penn State Scandal Raises Questions and Concerns for Parents

2012-03-05
The recent Penn State scandal involving alleged child molestation has made headlines around the country. Jerry Sandusky, former longtime assistant football coach for the Penn State Nittany Lions, stands accused of molesting at least eight boys. The fallout from the scandal has included the firing of one of the most revered sports figures in the country, the late Joe Paterno, and the university's president, Graham Spanier, for failure to report previous abuse allegations to police. Our society has digested the revolting details and responded with disbelief, anger, disgust ...

PuckProspect.com Hockey Recruiting and Hockey Scouting Website Better than any Recruiting Software

2012-03-05
PuckProspect.com (www.puckprospect.com) not only helps hockey prospects on how to look good, but get noticed too. Hockey Scouting and hockey recruiting is not a science. A hockey scout can not just add their favorite ingredients to a blender, combine them together, and produce their number one ideal recruit. Hockey Scouts have a real dilemma. They know what their organization needs because they've been told what to look for, they've identified the ingredients that should produce the right player, and they've been given the mandate to go out and find that player. The ...

Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Site Expands with Useful Information About Disney Resorts

Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Site Expands with Useful Information About Disney Resorts
2012-03-05
WorldofWalt.com has recently expanded its website to include a new section with comprehensive information about Disney resort hotels, making it even easier for families and individuals to plan a successful Walt Disney World vacation. The website now features a Disney Resort Hotels page that extensively covers various benefits and categories of Disney resorts. Visitors can use this area of the site to determine which type of accommodations will best suit their needs based on the cost, services, amenities and location. World of Walt Founder Herb Leibacher is excited about ...

Doctor Medica Announces Updated Website Offering Medical and Cosmetic Products at Affordable Prices

2012-03-05
Doctor Medica is an international pharmaceutical product supply company that delivers cosmetic injectable medication such as Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, Surgiderm, Radiesse and Sculptra to medical professionals primarily in North America. In addition to cosmetic medication products, this company also supplies orthopedic medication to customers. Doctor Medica primarily supplies its products to medical specialists such as doctors, offering an affordable alternative for medication purchase to them. Delivery is rapid and customer service is exceptional; shipping is free ...

Former Female Boxing Champ Gail Grandchamp joins BlogTalkRadio on the "My Crew Magazine Radio Show" with Kim Kelly, March 1, 2012, at 7 pm. Pacific

2012-03-01
Gail Grandchamp is no longer a professional boxer, yet remains an outspoken and effective champion of the cause - working tirelessly to promote the sport of women's boxing across the globe. Grandchamp will appear on Blog Talk Radio's My Crew Magazine Show (http://blogtalkradio.com/My-Crew-Magazine) with host Kim Kelly, Editor-In-Chief of My Crew Magazine on Thursday, March 1, 2012, at 7 pm, Pacific, and 11 pm Eastern. The exclusive interview will focus on the topic of the night, Lose Failure with the former female boxing champion joining the conversation. Grandchamp ...

Black Diamond Motor Sports Celebrates Third Anniversary

2012-03-01
Black Diamond Motor Sports, Atlanta's premiere luxury car club, is proud to celebrate three years of exceptional service to its members. Founded in March of 2009 against the difficulties of a growing recession, BDMS found continued success and growth during its first three years. To celebrate, Black Diamond Motor Sports is opening registration to new members with a 10% bonus point incentive during the month of March, 2012. This incentive marks the first time that BDMS has made a bonus available to incoming members, and those who are interested in getting extra drive ...

Stoneham Martial Arts School Invites Public To Open House Week During March 5-10, 2012

2012-03-01
Body Mind Systems, a comprehensive martial arts system with a school in Stoneham, Massachusetts, is holding a one-week Open House starting Monday March 5, 2012 through Saturday March 10, 2012. Adults (Ages 15 and older) and children (Ages 4-14) are welcome to participate in any of the appropriate, regularly scheduled classes for free, compliments of the school. Adult classes are held weekdays from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM and Saturdays 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. See website for additional school schedule. No prior experience is necessary. Reservations are required as space is limited. ...

Thorburn Chiropractic in Burbank, CA Wins Second "Talk of the Town" Award for Excellent Customer Satisfaction

2012-03-01
Celebration Media U.S. (CMUS) has honored Thorburn Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Burbank CA for the second year in a row with its prestigious "Talk of the Town" award and 5 stars for excellent customer satisfaction. Celebration Media recognizes those professionals who provide outstanding customer service as reported by their own customers. Customer reviews are analyzed on websites such as Google and Yelp, on social networks and blogs, and with business-rating services. Only those companies with enough positive feedback, scores, awards and accolades to ...

Electronic Payment Systems Wins Silver Stevie Award in 2012 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service

2012-03-01
The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world's top sales awards, contact center awards, and customer service awards. The Stevie Awards organizes several of the world's leading business awards shows including the prestigious American Business AwardsSM and International Business AwardsSM. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for "crowned," the trophies were presented to honorees during a gala banquet on Monday, February 27 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. More than 350 nominated customer service and sales executives from the U.S.A. and several ...

South Shore Skin Center and Spa to Hold Expo in Plymouth on March 21, from 6 to 8 pm.

2012-03-01
is holding an Expo on March 21, 2012 from 6 to 8 pm. at their Spa, located at One Scobee Circle, Unit 3 in Plymouth. South Shore Skin Center and Spa's Expo will feature Information on skin rejuvenating treatments, aesthetic treatments, age management treatments, therapeutic massage, professional skin care and the Refer-A-Friend program. In additional to showcasing their services and products, South Shore Skin Center and Spa will also introduce Clear + Brilliant (by Solta Medical), a new approach to laser skin enhancement that takes skin care to a new level by helping ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

New study reveals polymers with flawed fillers boost heat transfer in plastics

Signs identified that precede sudden arrhythmic death syndrome in young people

Discovery of bacteria's defence against viruses becomes a piece of the puzzle against resistance

Pre-eclampsia is associated with earlier onset and higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors

Warwick astronomers discover doomed pair of spiralling stars on our cosmic doorstep

Soil conditions significantly increase rainfall in world’s megastorm hotspots

NK cells complexed with bispecific antibody yield high response rates in patients with lymphoma

Planetary health diet and mediterranean diet associated with similar survival and sustainability benefits

Singapore launches national standard to validate antimicrobial disinfectant products

Molecular stool test could improve detection of tuberculosis in adults with HIV

Suspected fibrocartilaginous embolus in Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus)

Enhancing heat transfer using the turbulent flow of viscoelastic fluids

Exercise as an anti-ageing intervention to avoid detrimental impact of mental fatigue

UMass Amherst Nursing Professor Emerita honored as ‘Living Legend’

New guidelines aim to improve cystic fibrosis screening

Picky eaters by day, buffet by night: Butterfly, moth diets sync to plant aromas

Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Leanne Redman honored with the E. V. McCollum Award from the American Society for Nutrition

CCNY physicists uncover electronic interactions mediated via spin waves

Researchers’ 3D-printing formula may transform future of foam

Nurture more important than nature for robotic hand

Drug-delivering aptamers target leukemia stem cells for one-two knockout punch

New study finds that over 95% of sponsored influencer posts on Twitter were not disclosed

New sea grant report helps great lakes fish farmers navigate aquaculture regulations

Strain “trick” improves perovskite solar cells’ efficiency

How GPS helps older drivers stay on the roads

Estrogen and progesterone stimulate the body to make opioids

Dancing with the cells – how acoustically levitating a diamond led to a breakthrough in biotech automation

Machine learning helps construct an evolutionary timeline of bacteria

Cellular regulator of mRNA vaccine revealed... offering new therapeutic options

Animal behavioral diversity at risk in the face of declining biodiversity

[Press-News.org] Sand layer plays a key role in protecting the underlying permafrost in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau