Modeling the Thermal Balance Between Groundwater Springs and River Ice

Abstract

We modeled the thermal balance between groundwater discharge and ice-free areas in the Tanana River near Fairbanks, Alaska, a region that is characterized by discontinuous permafrost. Under degrading permafrost conditions, these areas have been hypothesized to have increased winter discharge due to increasing contributions from groundwater flow. In the winter, interior Alaskan rivers are fed almost entirely by groundwater, which also serves as an external source of heat energy to the system. Several reaches of the river fed by groundwater springs remain ice-free or have dangerously thin ice throughout the winter despite air temperatures that dip below -40° C. These areas are dangerous for winter travelers who regularly use Alaskan rivers for wintertime travel.

Our model allows us to explore the relationship between seasonal groundwater flows and ice thickness under changing atmospheric conditions. Our model results explore how local and regional changes in groundwater flow can affect ice thickness by addressing two primary research questions: 1) What physical factors influence seasonal ice dynamics on the Tanana River? 2) How is the thermal balance maintained between changing groundwater flow and cold air temperatures?