Using ground penetrating radar to estimate active layer moisture conditions in the Arctic

Polar regions, especially the Arctic, are expected to experience the largest changes in climate parameters during the coming decades, as well as increased variability. Large amounts of carbon currently stored in the arctic permafrost are expected to be released when a larger portion of the upper permafrost thaws. This will result in a deepening of the active layer, the region above the permafrost that freezes and thaws annually. Changes in this layer is thus important not only as an indicator of climate change, but also because they will alter the conditions for the vegetation and hence the ecosystem.