Permafrost and Ground Ice Map of Switzerland

<p>Save the layer file (.lyr) together with the other files (Shapefiles) in a common folder and load the layer file in a GIS or geoviewer application to see the map.</p> <p>The shapefile contain a countrywide permafrost distribution map of Switzerland, indicating ground temperatures and ice content. A new representation of ground temperatures is achieved by distinguishing ice-poor and ice-rich permafrost in the modelling process. There is a very strong correlation of ground temperatures with elevation and potential incoming solar radiation in ice-poor and ice-free ground. The distribution of ice-rich permafrost was defined by modelling mass wasting processes and the integration of snow and ice into the ground caused by them. This approach yields a relatively accurate and largely unambiguous map. Permafrost occurrence is represented by two clearly defined classes: Zone 1 representing modelled ground temperatures and zone 2 indicating excess ground ice outside of zone 1. 58% of 92 validation sites could be definitively classified as having permafrost or no permafrost. If only ice-poor or –free ground is considered, this value reaches 90%.