| Principal Investigator: | Tank, Suzanne E (16) |
| Licence Number: | 15685 |
| Organization: | University of Alberta |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
|
| Issued: | Jun 10, 2015 |
| Project Team: | Suzanne Tank, Scott Zolkos, Sarah Shakil, Luke Gjini, Joyce Kendon |
Objective(s): To understand how permafrost slumping increases the mobilization of organic carbon from land to water, and the effects of this movement on stream communities.
Project Description: The objective of this study is to understand how permafrost slumping increases the mobilization of organic carbon from land to water, and the effects of this movement on stream communities. The research team will measure the concentration of stream-water organic carbon upstream and downstream of slump sites. The research team will also examine the fate of this carbon by undertaking incubation experiments that measure bacterial uptake and degradation of carbon travelling from slump sites to downstream locations, and measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide leaving the streams. The research team will collect water samples from upstream and downstream of slump sites. Occasionally there will be 'transect' type measurements taken to examine how the effects of slumping diminish downstream. When possible, the research team will also collect samples of run-off water directly from the slump sites. Water samples will be filtered in the field using a hand pump. Further analyses, including incubation experiments, will be conducted at the Aurora Research Institute. The research team will not be collecting any biological specimens other than the bacteria that occur naturally in filtered water samples. The team plan to travel with a community wildlife monitor when on foot. The research team are happy to give presentations about the research to local schools, or to any other group that would like to receive such a presentation. Once the research is complete, the research team will prepare a poster that can be displayed at the Aurora Research Institute that outlines the findings. The research team will also send copies of any publications that result from this research to the Aurora Research Institute library. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from June 12, 2015 to September 2, 2015.
