Regions: Gwich'in Settlement Area
Tags: environmental impact, infrastructure planning, landslides, slope failure
| Principal Investigator: | Wang, Baolin (7) |
| Licence Number: | 14291 |
| Organization: | Geological Survey of Canada |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2009
2008
2007
2006
|
| Issued: | Feb 29, 2008 |
| Project Team: | Baolin Wang (Principal Investigator, Geological Survey of Canada), Bhuwani Paudel (Project Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada), Robert Li (Project Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada), Jacqueline Cormier (Graduate Student, University of Ottawa) |
Objective(s): The objective of this research is to understand triggering of landslides and slope failure mechanisms in the Mackenzie Valley.
Project Description: The objective of this study is to understand triggering of landslides and slope failure mechanisms in the Mackenzie Valley. This will enable better environmental impact assessments of infrastructure projects in the region. This research involves detailed investigation of landslides. Soil samples will be taken by digging test pits in the active layer with hand tools. Most test pits will be located at or near landslides, and will eventually be destroyed by the landslides. Data will be collected from instruments installed at a site near Traivallant Lake (67 40.028N, 131 31.639W), and field measurements taken. Additional instruments will be installed to measure ground temperature, pore water pressure and slope movements. A handheld auger or heliportable light weight drill rig will be used for installation. Several other sites will be visited to collect soil samples and measure the landslide expansion rates. It is estimated that several one to two weeks visits of up to 6 people will be involved per year, traveling to sites by helicopter from Inuvik. Overnight camping might be required. Instrument monitoring will require several short site visits. Results will be published in publicly available scientific papers. Copies of papers will be sent to communities, local/regional regulatory organizations, and Aurora Research Institute. Local residents will be hired as wildlife monitors and assistants. Local helicopter companies, truck rentals, and hotels will be used, and local businesses will be used for supplies. Facilities and logistical/technical help from Aurora Research Institute (ARI) will be used. Fieldwork will be conducted from March 01 to December 31, 2008 within approximately a 50 km diameter area around Travaillant Lake, south-east of Inuvik (approximately 67 53.615 N, 132 14.210W to 67 29.090N, 130 54.039W). Exact locations depend on where landslides are found within the area.
