A comparative numerical investigation of transient temperature profile and pore-air velocities in horizontal rock block embankments are conducted using the “gravels model” , in which the embankment is composed of stones and air, and the “porous media model” respectively. As the velocities from the “gravels model” directly reflect the true flow of air and winter-time convection, in this paper it can be concluded that computational results from the “gravels model” are superior to the “porous media model”. In addition, the “gravels model” has the advantages of reflecting the effect of the dimensions and collocation of gravels upon the temperature fields. Therefore, the computation of the gravels embankment is mainly based on the gravels model. Simulation results show that in summer, a clockwise circulation of the pore-air extends throughout most of the embankment. However its motion is very weak that results in relatively straight horizontal isotherm lines. And heat transfer is mainly maintained through co A comparative numerical investigation of transient temperature profile and pore-air velocities in horizontal rock block embankments are conducted using the “gravels model”, in which the embankment is composed of stones and air, and the “porous media model” respectively As the velocities from the “gravels model ” directly reflect the true flow of air and winter-time convection, in this paper it can be concluded that computational results from the “gravels model ” are superior to the “porous In addition, the ”gravels model " has the advantages of reflecting the effect of the dimensions and collocation of gravels upon the temperature fields. Thus, the computation of the gravels embankment is mainly based on the gravels model. Simulation results show that in summer, a clockwise circulation of the pore-air extends throughout most of the embankment. However its motion is very weak that results in relatively straight horizontal isotherm lines. And heat transfer i s mainly maintained through co