Modified Thermo-TDR Method for Measuring Thermal Properties, Frozen and Unfrozen Water Content In Frozen Soils.

Understanding of the complex interactions between and the influence of water flow and heat transport processes on soil water and energy balance of seasonally frozen soils in cold, semi-arid regions is key to assessing environmental risks associated with contaminants introduced into the soil and predicting the impacts of climate change on food production. We are investigating the use of a modified thermo-TDR method to simultaneously measure soil thermal properties, frozen and unfrozen soil water content. This method was tested in the laboratory in soil columns subjected to freeze-thaw cycles with a cooling bath. The presentation will focus on the measured soil volumetric specific heat and apparent dielectric permittivity as a function of temperature and how these measurements can be used to estimate liquid and ice water content in frozen soils.