Surficial Materials Investigations, South Nahanni Area
Principal Investigator: Menounos, Brian p (4)
Licence Number: 14033
Organization: Uninversity of Northern British Columbia
Licensed Year(s): 2006
Issued: Jul 21, 2006
Project Team: Paul Sanborn (Soil Scientist, UNBC), Courtney Jermyn (Graduate Student, UNBC), Scott Smith (Soil Researcher, Ag. Canada)

Project Description: The various objectives of the study are: to refine the previously compiled landslide inventory map with field checking, to identify causal mechanisms to slope instability (such as bedrock or surficial material type, aspect, elevation, glacial history, and permafrost distribution), to identify frequency of landslide types, to examine landscape patterns in the Nahanni karst area to establish relationship between soil types and landform ages and/or bedrock types. Using a map produced by interpretation of aerial photographs and satellite images, representative features (hazard types based on material type, aspect, elevation, and presence of permafrost) will be checked. Overflights will be used to verify landslides or other landform types. At selected sites, ground inspections will collect additional information to identify failure mechanisms and timing. Particular attention will be paid to the Nahanni karst as a candidate area for park reserve expansion. Soils observations will aid in understanding the relationship between soil profile morphology and landform age, in dating of landslide features, and in understanding the timing of glaciations. Sites of interest are: limestone pavements south and west of Death Lake; cirques and landslides associated with major canyons (e.g. Canal Canyon); and glaciofluvial terrace areas of contrasting bedrock types (shale vs. limestone) of the North Karst. Included are the eastern flank of the Nahanni Plateau (NTS 95F/8 & 10), the main North Karst and the southwestern margin of the Ram Plateau (NTS 95F/9). Sites will be accessed by helicopter from Fort Simpson. A final report will be provided to Parks Canada and made available to communities upon request. Fieldwork will take place from July 21 to August 15, 2006.