A two-directional freeze and thaw algorithm for hydrologic and land surface modelling

This paper presents a two‐directional Stefan's solution for computing the freeze and thaw of soil columns. Use of an inverted set of equations to drive the soil freeze‐thaw from the bottom is a significant improvement to the original freeze‐thaw model. Simulations using the algorithm compared w...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2004-06, Vol.31 (12), p.L12501.1-n/a
Main Authors: Woo, M.-k., Arain, M. A., Mollinga, M., Yi, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
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Summary:This paper presents a two‐directional Stefan's solution for computing the freeze and thaw of soil columns. Use of an inverted set of equations to drive the soil freeze‐thaw from the bottom is a significant improvement to the original freeze‐thaw model. Simulations using the algorithm compared well with the 0°C isotherm interpolated from observed data at Arctic, Subarctic and cool temperate sites with different frost conditions that range from permafrost to seasonal frost across a north‐south gradient in North America. The incorporation of explicit freeze‐thaw parameterization in hydrologic and land surface models would enable realistic simulation of soil temperature, soil moisture and runoff/infiltration and hence energy, water and greenhouse gas exchange processes in high latitudes.
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/2004GL019475