Regions: Gwich'in Settlement Area, Sahtu Settlement Area
Tags: physical sciences, permafrost, climate change, landslides
| Principal Investigator: | Beddoe, Ryley (5) |
| Licence Number: | 15895 |
| Organization: | York University |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2016
2015
|
| Issued: | May 31, 2016 |
Objective(s): To better understand the impact of climate driven permafrost degradation on slope instabilities and landslides in the region.
Project Description: The objective of this research is to better understand the impact of climate driven permafrost degradation on slope instabilities and landslides in the region. This research will involve detailed investigation of both landslides that have occurred and slopes that are assessed for being at a high risk of failure. Soil samples will be taken by digging test pits within the active layer with hand tools. These test pits will be done in and around the landslide locations, areas which will eventually be engulfed in the landslides path. A quadcopter research drone will be flown at the landslide locations, which will provide aerial images of the landslide and slopes being studied. These images will be used to measure the size, geometry and volume of the landslides, as well as to track the movement of the slope over the period of research study. (The drone will be flown only at locations that meet the regulations outlined by the Ministry of Transportation). The goal is to use Fort Good Hope and Tsiigehtchic as home base for studying slope failures and thaw slumps triggered by permafrost degradation. In doing so, the research team will use a local guide who can transport the research team to and from the landslide and slope locations that are being studied. The research team will work with the band offices to assist and advise on engineering related designs and projects they are working on within their community that are being affected by permafrost degradation. Research results will be reported back to the communities by composing and providing an annual research summary specifically focused on their community. Additionally, copies of any results published in publicly available scientific papers will be sent directly to communities, local/regional offices organizations and to the Aurora Research Institute. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from August 28, 2016 to September 1, 2016.
