Model Output From the 'Frost Index' Permafrost Model: Variations in Circumpolar Frozen Ground Conditions and Modeled Future Conditions

This data set contains permafrost distribution maps, active-layer thickness maps, and hazard-potential maps constructed using results from the 'frost index' permafrost model (Nelson and Outcalt, 1987) driven by modern climatic data and scenarios of climate change derived from three transient general circulation models (Greco et al., 1994). The permafrost maps show the distribution of permafrost in the Northern Hemisphere under modern climatic conditions and General Climate Model (GCM) projections for 2050; the active-layer thickness maps show relative changes in the depth of seasonal thawing projected for 2050; and the hazard-potential maps are used as indices to evaluate potential environmental hazards associated with thaw settlement and thermokarst.