Near-surface ground ice in sediments of the Mackenzie Delta region, NWT

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: soil, sediment, ground ice

Principal Investigator: Kokelj, Steven V (23)
Licence Number: 13100
Organization: Carleton University - Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
Licensed Year(s): 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 2000 1999
Issued: Jun 07, 2000
Project Team: Doug Joe

Objective(s): This project investigates the development of near-surface ice in sediments of the Mackenzie delta area. In permafrost terrain, an ice rich zone is frequently found just below the base of the active layer, and it is significant for several reasons: 1) It

Project Description: This project investigates the the distribution and amount of near-surface ice in sediments of the Mackenzie delta area near Inuvik. Sites near Inuvik will be accessed via road and sampled using a hand held power auger. Soil cores will be removed and taken to the Inuvik Research Center for subsequent examination. The thickness of permafrost will be measured by near-surface water jet drilling which uses a pressurized stream of water to drill small holes in the frozen sediments. Environmental impacts of these procedures are negligible. During April the researcher fastened brackets to 6 - 10 spruce trees. The field work in July and August will include obtaining and analyzing permafrost cores and revisiting the spruce tree site prepared in April.