The Tricky Energy Budget of Freezing Soil: A Thermodynamic Framework for Understanding Phase Changes

Freezing soil presents unique challenges in understanding the coupled mass and energy dynamics within the Earth’s critical zone. This paper presents a comprehensive thermodynamic framework for analyzing phase transitions in soil-water-ice systems. We present a unified treatment based on non-equilibrium
thermodynamics, where temperature, pressure, and chemical potential act as primary driving forces. The framework accounts for freezing point depression through mechanisms including the Gibbs-Thomson effect, solute presence, ice nucleation, and surface interactions. We demonstrate how upscaling from pore-
scale thermodynamics to the Darcy scale introduces theoretical challenges in determining phase transformation rates and flux laws. The sequential freezing process, governed by water energetic states in different pore sizes, creates complex interplay between capillary forces and phase changes essential for modeling

https://mosaicworks.com/gallery/fineart/permafrost/

This paper is an evolution of the talk given last summer at PanAm Unsat 2025 conference that you can find here. Official, preprint will be soon available. Temporary preprint available here. 

After the feedback of the LinkedIn post

 Following my LinkedIn post, I've gained around fifty new followers and received several inquiries about the PhD and postdoc positions. While many CVs show promise, they often lack the specific background we're seeking. To be clear: we value genuine interest and appreciation of our research over purely academic credentials, but this commitment must be demonstrated, not just stated.

Before reaching out, I strongly encourage prospective candidates to enroll (free of charge) in our Winter School [info here and here]. The Winter School has already begun, but a motivated PhD candidate should be able to catch up on the material independently and address any gaps. If difficulties arise, you're welcome to ask questions, but the ability to work through challenges autonomously is precisely what we're looking for.

No pain, no gain!

P.S. - Although the Winter School could not available at the time of your application, please take time to explore our materials and understand our research approach. We appreciate candidates who show commitment through their preparation.

During interviews, we typically explore:

• Your relevant skills for this specific project
• Your programming capabilities and experience
• Your motivation for not applying the Winter School (if you did not apply to any)
• Your understanding of GEOframe and our research
• Your availability and current commitments
• Technical aspects specific to the project
• The skills and expertise you've highlighted in your application (specificity is valued over generic statements)