Paleohydrological and Paleoecological Reconstruction of the Mackenzie Basin Deltas
Principal Investigator: Wolfe, Brent BBW (10)
Licence Number: 13605
Organization: Wilfrid Laurier University
Licensed Year(s): 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
Issued: May 07, 2004
Project Team: Dr. Roland

Objective(s): This research program is centred on developing high-resolution 1000-year hydro-ecological histories in the Mackenzie Basin Deltas (MBDs) from multi-proxy analyses of lake sediment cores supported by comprehensive field based studies of modern hydrology and limnology. This project will address four critical research questions: 1) What are the flood and drought frequencies in the MBDs over the past 1000 years; 2) is there evidence to suggest prolonged periods of drought have occurred naturally in the past, prior to recent dry intervals in the Peace-Athabasca Delta and Slave Delta which have been attributed to natural climate variation, global climate warming, and/or river flow regulation; 3) What are the ecological responses to hydrological variability and what is the impact on wildlife habitat; and 4) What is the forecast for hydro-ecological conditions in the MBDs in light of future climate change and increasing demand on water resources? Results will address concerns related to the potential environmental impact of river regulation, resource development, and climate variability on the MBDs.