As part of the International Polar Year, cold regions were highlighted because of their sensitivity to the recent global warming. Thus, permafrost and periglacial environnements are directly triggered by the increase of the air and soil temperatures, that directly impact the functioning of fluvial systems. The objective of this study is focus on the numerical and physical modeling of the evolution of islands in a fluvial system under periglacial environments. A hydraulic channel in a cold room will allow the quantification of evolution of islands and their thermal and mechanical interactions as a function of water temperature, particle size, discharge, ice content * The main goal of this study is to identify the empirical relations between parameters which control the evolution of islands under a permafrost environment.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr. Francois Costard directly at francois.costard@u-psud.fr