Thermokarst Phenomenon Typification Approaches Near the Southern Border of the Permafrost Zone

The studies of thermokarst phenomena along the oil pipeline in the south of Eastern Siberia and the Far East have been conducted. Thermokarst phenomena were investigated not only in the pipeline-affected zone, but also under natural conditions. Initial data for the research were obtained during the annual aerovisual observations for 2010–2012. The principal goal of the aerovisual observations was the identification of thermokarst phenomena. Thermokarst phenomenon typification near the southern border of the permafrost zone was the results of the following analysis. The differences in the morphology of thermokarst phenomena were identified. It’s depends on the landscape-climate, engineering-geological conditions and the type of man-made impact. The analysis of the spatial distribution of thermokarst phenomena was also made. All phenomena were divided into two groups, while the total number of types amounted to 11. Additionally, forms with marks of processes activation due to the human impact on the territory were denoted. The analysis of the allocated types has contributed to finding signs of stadiality of the process. The allocated types of the phenomena were characterized by various time depths and grade of the intensities of a process. This demanded by the development of individual protection measures for each of them. The developed typification can be expanded to other areas of the permafrost zone.