Ecological and Geomorphological investigations in the alpine tundra of the Mackenzie Mountains, N.W.T.
Principal Investigator: Kershaw, G. Peter (38)
Licence Number: 13157
Organization: University of Alberta
Licensed Year(s): 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
Issued: Aug 01, 2000
Project Team: Linda Kershaw

Objective(s): The main objectives of this study are to: 1. determine the status of permafrost land forms in the study area, and 2. determine the long-term recovery after abandonment of the CANOL No.1 project. Both of these objectives are part of long-term studies in the area that were initiated in 1974. Intensive investigations were carried out in 1974, 1977-82 and since 1990. With climate change potentially resulting in warming in the north it is important to know the current condition of permafrost land forms. Since 1945 disturbances have been affected by natural processes of revegetation and studies have been underway since 1977 to determine the nature of this process.

Project Description: The main objectives of this study are to: 1. determine the status of permafrost land forms in the study area, and 2. determine the long-term recovery after abandonment of the CANOL No.1 project. Access during the summer is via the Yukon along the Canol Road through Macmillan Pass. Base camp is owned by Old Squaw Lodge at Camp 222. Beyond the base camp mountain bikes and foot will be the means of transport. Automated microclimate stations powered by solar energy cells operate year-round. The base at Camp 222 includes solar cells to power laptop computers. The field season will be in August. Limited soil sampling and permafrost coring will be conducted and a small amount (<25 kg) will be returned to University of Alberta for analysis. Studies will encompass the area between Macmillan Pass and Caribou Pass.