Low-Altitude, Overcooled Scree Slope: Insights into Temperature Distribution Using High-Resolution Thermal Imagery in the Romanian Carpathians

Andrei Ioniță, Iosif Lopătiță, Petru Urdea, Oana Berzescu and Alexandru Onaca ()
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Andrei Ioniță: Institute for Advanced Environmental Research (ICAM), West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
Iosif Lopătiță: Department of Geography, West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
Petru Urdea: Institute for Advanced Environmental Research (ICAM), West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
Oana Berzescu: Institute for Advanced Environmental Research (ICAM), West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
Alexandru Onaca: Institute for Advanced Environmental Research (ICAM), West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 3, 1-23

Abstract: Advective heat fluxes (chimney effect) in porous debris facilitate ground cooling on scree slopes, even at low altitudes, and promote the occurrence of sporadic permafrost. The spatial distribution of ground surface temperature on an overcooled, low-altitude scree slope in the Romanian Carpathians was analyzed using UAV-based infrared thermography in different seasons. The analysis revealed significant temperature gradients within the scree slope, with colder, forest-insulated lower sections contrasting with warmer, solar-exposed upper regions. Across all surveyed seasons, this pattern remained evident, with the strongest temperature contrasts in December and April. February exhibited the most stable temperatures, with thermal readings primarily corresponding to snow surfaces rather than exposed rock. Rock surfaces displayed greater temperature variation than vent holes. Vent holes were generally cooler than rock surfaces, particularly in warmer periods. The persistent presence of ice and low temperatures at the end of the warm season suggested the potential existence of isolated permafrost. The results confirm the chimney effect, where cold air infiltrates the lower talus, gradually warms as it ascends, and outflows at higher elevations. UAV-based thermal imagery proved effective in detecting microclimatic variability and elucidating thermal processes governing talus slopes. This study provides valuable insights into extrazonal permafrost behavior, particularly in the context of global climate change.

Keywords: thermal UAV mapping; high-resolution imagery; isolated permafrost; overcooled talus slope; microclimatic monitoring; Carpathian Mountains; Romania (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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