Spatial distribution mapping of permafrost in Mongolia using TTOP

Abstract This study presents the results of permafrost mapping in Mongolia based on the TTOP (temperature‐on‐top‐of‐permafrost) approach, which were validated against in situ measurements at various locations. In situ measurements indicated that the mean annual ground temperature (MAGT) ranged from 0.6 to 2.2°C interannually, showing the greatest variability when furthest from 0°C. The differences between the modeled and measured MAGTs exceeded ±1°C in locations where permafrost was in a nonequilibrium state and was controlled predominantly by local factors. It was estimated that permafrost occupies one‐third of Mongolia. We divided the extent of the permafrost into five zones: continuous, discontinuous, sporadic, isolated, and seasonally frozen ground. In total, the permafrost zones cover ~462.8 × 10 3 km 2 , accounting for 29.3% of Mongolia. Of this total area, continuous permafrost accounted for 118.3 × 10 3 km 2 (7.5%), discontinuous permafrost 127.7 × 10 3 km 2 (8.1%), sporadic permafrost 112.4 × 10 3 km 2 (7.1%), and isolated permafrost 104.4 × 10 3 km 2 (6.6%).