The thermal environment of blocky materials in the mountains of Central Asia

Abstract Geothermal investigations in the Transili Alatau Range (Northern Tien Shan) during 1974–87 reveal a significant difference between the thermal regime of coarse blocky materials and adjacent fine‐grained soils. Mean annual temperatures inside the coarse debris are 2.5–4.0°C cooler than mean annual air temperatures (MAATs). In such conditions, permafrost may develop within coarse debris even under a positive mean annual air temperature. In the Transili Alatau Range, the process of perennially freezing is possible at altitudes of 1800–1900 m ASL where the MAA T is about 4°C. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.