NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Principal Investigator: Reid, Kirsten
Licensed Year(s): 2019 2018
Summary: The overarching research goal of this project is to determine what conditions facilitate tree range expansion across the western Canadian boreal-tundra ecotone. Using a biogeographical, multi-trophic level approach, the research team aim to determine: 1. how multi-trophic level species composition changes across the tundra and which conditions dictate these changes; and, 2. the constraints, dri...

Principal Investigator: Eitel, Jan
Licensed Year(s): 2019 2018 2017
Summary: The overarching objective of the study is to integrate light detection and ranging (LiDAR), passive spectral, and tree ecophysiological data to link biophysical structure to ecological function in the Forest Tundra Ecotone. In so doing, the research team will be able to remotely assess the vulnerability and resilience of the forest tundra ecotone (FTE) to environmental change. The field work wi...

Principal Investigator: Walker, Xanthe J
Licensed Year(s): 2009 2008
Summary: The overall objective of this research is to determine the impact of climate change on the ecological patterns and processes of white spruce trees within the forest-tundra transition zone in the Tuktoyaktuk region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. White spruce reproduction, establishment, and growth will be assessed to determine how these parameters may have changed since they were last measur...

Principal Investigator: Pisaric, Michael FJ
Licensed Year(s): 2008 2007 2006 2005
Summary: The impact of climate change on forest ecosystems in the Mackenzie Delta is being studied using dendrochronology. Earlier studies indicate a negative relationship between tree growth and summer temperatures. Summer temperatures may be exceeding the physiological threshold of northern trees or perhaps the trees are drought stressed. Manual and automatic dendrometers will be used to measure tree gro...

Principal Investigator: Kanigan, Julian
Licensed Year(s): 2007 2006
Summary: An understanding of near-surface ground temperatures will provide a baseline to assess change and identify sensitive areas. The objective of this project is to determine the variation of near-surface ground temperatures within the Mackenzie Delta. Investigations have identified four spruce forest communities in the delta based on composition: spruce-alder-bearberry, spruce-feathermoss, spruce-crow...

Principal Investigator: Lantz, Trevor C.
Licensed Year(s): 2006 2005 2004
Summary: The objective of this research is to explore the influence of temperature and disturbance on green alder by comparing alder characteristics on sites with different average temperatures and disturbance histories. Understanding of factors that influence alder populations today will assist in predicting the likely consequences of rising temperatures and increased disturbance on tall shrubs. A min...

Principal Investigator: Williams, Christopher J
Licensed Year(s): 2005 2003
Summary: The objective of this project is to make detailed measurements of fossil plants that grew at high latitudes between 12 and 2 million years ago. The researchers will use these and previously obtained data to test the hypothesis that until about 28 million years ago arctic wetland forests were high biomass forests dominated by deciduous conifers, but by 12 million years aga, these were replaced by ...

Principal Investigator: Greene, David F
Licensed Year(s): 2005 2004
Summary: The purpose of this three-year project is to identify the factors that promote or retard forest regrowth after seismic line cutting. Oil and gas development in the Mackenzie Valley has the potential to heavily impact the region's slow-growing forests....

Principal Investigator: Trindade, Mariana
Licensed Year(s): 2003
Summary: This study examines (1) the regeneration dynamics of White spruce in the Mackenzie Delta and Black spruce on seismic lines; (2) the potential for seeds to disperse on snow; (3) pollen dispersal; and (4) pollen production. Study sites in the Mackenzie D...

Principal Investigator: Greene, David F
Licensed Year(s): 2002
Summary: The long distance dispersal of tree pollen and seeds is of considerable interest as we ask how fast plants can migrate in response to rapid climate change. Examination of seed dispersal will actually be based on looking at germinants (rather than seeds)...