Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area
Tags: physical sciences, water quality, climatology, arctic lakes, climate change, hydrology, ecology
| Principal Investigator: | Prowse, Terry D (13) |
| Licence Number: | 14293 |
| Organization: | National Water Research Institute, Universiy of Victoria |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2008
2007
2006
2005
|
| Issued: | Feb 29, 2008 |
| Project Team: | Dr. Daniel L. Peters (Research Scientist, Environment Canada/W-CIRC/UVic), Dr. Fred Wrona (Research Scientist, Environment Canada/W-CIRC/UVic), Mr. Laurent de Rham (Physical Scientist, Environment Canada/W-CIRC/UVic), Ms. Patricia Mesquita (Graduate Student, Department of Geography, UVic), Ms. Megan Thompson (Graduate Student, Department of Geography, UVic), Mr. Tom Carter (Research Technician, Environment Canada/NHRC), Dr. Ed McCauley (Scientist/Professor, Department of Biology, U of C), Dr. Yonas Dibike (Research Scientist, Environment Canada/W-CIRC/UVic), Ms. Kayla Flanagan (Post-Doc, Department of Biology, U of C) |
Objective(s): The objective of this study is to develop a hydro-ecological model for small Arctic lakes to assess the vulnerability of their ecosystems to disturbances, such as climate change or water withdrawal.
Project Description: The objective of this study is to develop a hydro-ecological model for small Arctic lakes to assess the vulnerability of their ecosystems to disturbances, such as climate change or water withdrawal. To quantify geochemical loadings to lakes, a model is being developed by monitoring lakes and their contributing catchment (surface water flow). A climate station will be set up at 2 - 6 sites to monitor air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, water temperature, net radiation, precipitation, water level, and water quality. Servicing of instrumentation will require quarterly field trips in mid-April, May/June, July/August, and late September, depending on conditions. Lake water quality, productivity, energy and water budget, ice depths, active-layer depths, geochemistry of permafrost, and geochemical signatures will be collected at some of the study lakes. Water samples will be taken and water temperature, water level, ground temperature and active layer depth will be measured. Aquatic plants, invertebrates, zooplankton and phytoplankton will be collected with a small tow-net. Samples of permafrost will be taken. Lake bottom sediments will be collected and analyzed for invertebrate, plant and bacterial life and geochemistry. Bathymetry of the lakes will be obtained via ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys conducted on the ice surface, as well as using regular surveying techniques. Travel will predominantly be via helicopter, small inflatable craft on lakes, and snowmobiles during the winter field trips. Day trips to and from sites are planned. Local students assistants will be used in the field program, and Wildlife Monitors hired. Research will be presented through posters displayed at the Aurora Research Centre, and seminars to community organizations. Copies of research publications will be sent to Aurora Research Institute library. Fieldwork will be conducted from March 01 to October 31, 2008 at 66 lakes located north of the town of Inuvik.
