A Review of Retrogressive Thaw Slumps Characteristics,Evolution,and Permafrost Stability Analysis Methods
Hao Junming
Zhong Jishen
Jia Peiqian
Wu Tonghua
Chen Jie
Abstract：Under global climate warming scenarios,permafrost degradation has triggered retrogressive thaw slumps,posing threats to engineering infrastructure and ecological security in cold regions.However,many scholars lack sufficient understanding of the morphological characteristics and evolutionary processes of RTSs(retrogressive thaw slumps),and the applicability of simulation models has not been systematically summarized.In this study,RTSs from four perspectives:morphology,evolution,destabilization mechanisms,and simulation methods,based on field investigation and literature analysis.The main findings include:(1)The morphological characteristics of RTSs can be classified into 11 types,and their spatial distribution is associated with topographic features,permafrost conditions,and developmental stages.(2)The evolution of RTSs experiences four stages:surface cracking,active layer detachment,polycyclic recession,and gradual stabilization,mainly affected by ground ice and extreme climatic events.(3)The instability of RTSs is the result of the interaction among thermal-hydrological-mechanical fields.Under the influence of the stress field,moisture and heat transfer are affected,while the temperature and moisture fields determine the pore water pressure,which in turn influences the stress field and change slope stability.(4)The limit equilibrium method,numerical simulation,and uncertainty analysis are the main methods for simulating permafrost stability,each with its own advantages and limitations.This study enhances the understanding of the phenomena and processes of RTSs.It is of great significance for revealing the interaction mechanisms among permafrost,climate,and geomorphology,and provides support for the improvement of theoretical frameworks in cold-region geomorphology,permafrost mechanics,and related disciplines.
Keywords：retrogressive thaw slumpsmorphological characteristicsevolution processmodel of permafrost stabilitypermafrostenvironmental geology
Publication Date：2025-12-30
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-26(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：19( 4919-4937 )