Coupled modelling of soil thaw/freeze dynamics and runoff generation in permafrost landscapes, Upper Kolyma, Russia

The distributed process-based runoff formation hydrograph model was applied and tested against soil thaw/freeze depth and runoff data in several permafrost landscapes of the Kolyma Water Balance Station (KWBS). The parameterization describing different permafrost conditions was elaborated. Soil thaw/freeze depths were simulated for three sites comprising rocky talus, mountainous tundra and larch forest landscapes. The runoff model was applied and calibrated for three plot-scale homogenous watersheds related to certain landscapes and one larger Kontaktovy Creek basin enclosing the mentioned land surface types (21.2 km2). The hydrograph model proved its capability to simulate both surface and subsurface processes of runoff formation in different permafrost landscapes