NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: physical sciences, hydrology, prediction models, snow

Objective(s): To develop improved understanding of snowcover formation and melt, as well as stream discharge in northern regions; and, to consider the integrated effect of climate on vegetation, snow, permafrost, streamflow, and lakes.

Project Description: The objectives of this project are: 1) to develop improved understanding of, and ability to predict, snowcover formation and melt, as well as stream discharge in northern regions, 2) consider the integrated effect of climate on vegetation, snow, permafrost, streamflow, and lakes, and 3) develop improved predictive tools or models. These will allow a better understanding of the impact of climate change and/or natural resource development on the water resources of the Northwest Territories. Field work will start in March or April for measurement of end of winter snow on the ground by using manual snow surveys and airborne sensors. At this time the research team will also install new instrumentation and carry out maintenance on existing sensors. The research team will use various methods to measure snowmelt, soil moisture, evaporation, streamflow and lake levels. The base camp is located at Trail Valley Creek and will have researchers at this camp until the fall (from mid- September or into November depending on requirements). Instrumentation and the camp will be prepared for winter in September or October and the team will leave the camp at that time. The research team will have staff visit the camp during winter. The research team will have local students and technicians to assist. The research team also hope to hold an "Arctic Hydrology Workshop or Gathering" in Inuvik in order to discuss arctic snow and water with the community. This past Fall the research team brought high school students in the field to the main meteorological station and field camp to provide them with hands on field work experience and hope to continue this in the future. The results of this study are provided to the Aurora Research Institute and community groups. Journal publications involving this work are available either on request, on line, or in the Aurora Research Centre library. We have also talked to various Government of the NWT groups about printing plain language summaries of this research, as has been done in the past. The research team are also proposing to have community meetings in Inuvik. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from April 1, 2016 to November 15, 2016.