Abstract

This paper introduces the structure and organization of permafrost monitoring within global climate-related monitoring programmes. The five-tiered principle proposed for the Global Hierarchical Observing Strategy (GHOST) is applied to the Global Terrestrial Network for Permafrost (GTN-P) monitoring system, and the European network of mountain permafrost boreholes established by the PACE project is discussed in the context of GTN-P. Borehole design and standard PACE instrumentation are described and some preliminary data from selected boreholes are presented. The broader research aims of the PACE programme include geophysical investigations, mapping and GIS strategies, numerical distribution modelling, physical modelling of thaw-related slope processes and mountain permafrost hazard assessment.