Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region
Tags: physical sciences, bathymetry, environmental change, industrial development, geography
| Principal Investigator: | Solomon, Steven M (9) |
| Licence Number: | 14290 |
| Organization: | Geological Survey of Canada |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2010
2009
2008
2007
|
| Issued: | Feb 28, 2008 |
| Project Team: | Donald Forbes (Research Scientist, NRCan-GSC), Dustin Whalen (Scientist, NRCan-GSC), Gavin Manson (Coastal Geologist, NRCan-GSC), Dave Frobel (Scientific support, NRCan-GSC), Darrell Beaver (Scientific support, NRCan-GSC), Kimberly Jenner (Sedimentologist, NRCan-GSC), Gwyn Lintern (Research Scientist, NRCan-GSC), JC Lavergne (Geodetic support, NRCan-GSD), Brian Moorman (GPR support, University of Calgary), Chris Stevens (GPR support, University of Calgary), Jennifer Bode (GPR support, University of Calgary) |
Objective(s): The objective of this study is to improve the knowledge of physical conditions in the western Arctic coastal zone in order to help understand and reduce the impacts of natural changes and industrial or community development.
Project Description: The objective of this study is to improve the knowledge of physical conditions in the western Arctic coastal zone in order to help understand and reduce the impacts of natural changes and industrial or community development. Research will occur from March through to August. Acoustic surveys will be undertaken during the months of June and August, before and after whaling season, most using low energy echosounders. Where appropriate, methods will be the same as for the Nahidik program so as not to disturb wildlife or subsistence activities. Small boats will be used and, if funding permits, the CCGS Nahidik or similar vessel. Camps involving 2-8 people supported by helicopter will make use of existing infrastructure to minimize disturbance. Field surveys will be undertaken in consultation with HTCs. Drilling will take place in winter and employ hand tools. Monuments for GPS surveys will be installed with jet drilling (summer only) at sites where previous activity has taken place. The monuments will be visible approximately 1 m above the ground surface. Radar reflectors may be deployed at these locations for periods of months to years. Seabed instrumentation will remain in place for days to months at depths to pose no hazard to boat traffic, and be marked with a buoy. Temperature measurements in boreholes will be made with thermistors and data loggers. In winter, ground penetrating radar surveys will be undertaken, and water level sensors and a current meter will be deployed. GPS surveys will be done at various locations in the Mackenzie Delta. Stands for reflectors and time-lapse cameras will be set up. In spring, helicopter reconnaissance will be done of break up flooding and strudel formation, and flood extent and depth will be measured. Bathymetric surveys will be done. Cameras, gauges and current meters will be recovered upon completion. Annual consultation occurring prior to field programs was done. Local personnel will be employed as wildlife monitors, field assistants and guides. Results will be presented in communities, and copies of public reports given to ARI library. Fieldwork will be conducted from March 03 to 31, May 20 to June 25, and August 01 to 31, 2008 at numerous locations in the Mackenzie delta (68 20 to 69 95 N, 131 45 to 137 45 W area).
