Streamflow processes in an alpine permafrost catchment, tianshan, China

Abstract The Cirque Basin, Tianshan, China is characterized by steep slopes, coarse surficial deposits and a cold climate that maintains permafrost at shallow depths. These conditions exert strong influences on the streamflow processes. In late winter, freezing of the infiltrated meltwater from an uneven snow cover enables ground ice formation. This renders parts of the active layer impervious to seepage, and in the spring both surface and …