Permafrost Investigations in Western Arctic Canada
Principal Investigator: Burn, Chris R (36)
Licence Number: 13400
Organization: Carleton University
Licensed Year(s): 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
Issued: Apr 11, 2003
Project Team: D. Joe; R.

Objective(s): This study, which is part of a long-term program, investigates permafrost conditions in the western Arctic. The three main objectives are: (1) to understand the response of permafrost to climate change; (2) to investigate the reaction of the ground to the growth of permafrost; and (3) to study the effect of lakes on permafrost. The research team will study the growth of ice wedges, ground temperatures, snow depth and near-surface temperatures at the Garry Island and Illisarvik Scientific Reserves. On Richards Island, temperatures in two lakes will be monitored for annual variation and to determine the relation between water depth and lake-bottom temperature. Near Inuvik, ground and air temperatures will be monitored, as well as ground movement next to ice wedges. In Paulatuk, the research team will investigate the origin and development of ventifacts (wind-abraded rocks).