Glaciological Investigations in the Ragged Range 2006

Regions: Dehcho Region

Tags: physical sciences, climate change, glaciology

Principal Investigator: McCarthy, Daniel P (2)
Licence Number: 14042
Organization: Brock University
Licensed Year(s): 2006 2005
Issued: Jul 27, 2006
Project Team: Christian Zdanowicz (Co-investigator, NRCAN Geological Survey of Canada), Michael Demuth (Co-investigator, NRCAN Geological Survey of Canada), Ed Struzik (field assistant/writer, Edmonton Journal), Margie Demuth (field assistant, NRCAN Geological Survey of Canada), Dan McCarthy (Principal investigator, Brock University)

Project Description: Little is known about glacier activity in the Ragged Ranges. Glaciers are the source of the South Nahanni River, which supplies moisture to the entire Nahanni ecosystem. The research will help complete existing databases and aid the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Regional assessments will help estimate the costs of climate change and inform debates on Kyoto targets and the proposed expansion of Nahanni National Park Reserve. Surveys will use geobotanical techniques including dendrochronology and lichenometry, and radiocarbon dating. Lichens will be measured and trees cored downvalley from glaciers. Accurate surveys of glacier size and position will be done using techniques such as radio echo sounding, ablation/accumulation measurement stakes, GPS survey and satellite imagery. Transportation will be by helicopter. Site locations include: North Moraine Hill Glacier (62° 15' N, 128° W), headwaters of Bologna Creek (62° 07.39' N, 128° 02.451' W), and other glacier forefields in the Ragged Range. A report and glacier inventory will be submitted to Nahanni National Park Reserve. Fieldwork will be conducted from July 28 to August 7, 2006.