NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: North Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, permafrost, hydrology, water chemistry

Objective(s): The objective of this project is to determine the relationships between climate, streamflow, water chemistry and permafrost in the subarctic Canadian Shield.

Project Description: It is the objective of this project to determine the relationships between climate, streamflow, water chemistry and permafrost in the subarctic Canadian Shield. The proposed work will take place within a research basin framework. The study will take advantage of significant existing infrastructure that includes one Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and three Environment Canada climate towers, a Water Survey of Canada hydrometric gauge and several snow courses, wells and ground temperature monitoring sites. Streamflow will be measured at six existing gauge sites along Baker Creek and its tributaries. Storage in the soil will be measured using automated soil moisture and well sensors. Five water chemistry sensors at five tributaries of different landscape characteristics will augment monthly water chemistry samples. These samples should show how different landscapes respond to either snowmelt or rainfall runoff events. Frost table measurements will be made with soil temperature strings at the same sites as the wells. It is the investigator's intention to discuss with local First Nations and Metis the aspects of the hydrological research that could provide for synergies between the investigator's research goals and issues which the Yellowknives Dene believe are important. If funding becomes available, there may be educational opportunities with field trips into the basin. The investigators would like to maximize the exchange of information for social and cultural benefit. Beyond submitting annual reports to the Aurora Research Institute, it is the investigator's intention to discuss with local First Nations and Metis the aspects of the hydrological research that could provide for synergies between the investigator's research goals and issues which the Yellowknives Dene believe are of importance. It is the investigator's intention to report regularly on the progress of the research with the Lands and Environment Coordinator of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the North Slave Metis Alliance and local INAC water managers to ensure the transfer of knowledge for the benefit of northerners. This exchange could range from annual progress reports to community meetings, as time and resources permit. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.