NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: North Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, permafrost

Objective(s): To assess permafrost thermal conditions and monitor rates of change, and to map and determine the flow of ground water in and around the community.

Project Description: The objectives of this project are: 1) to determine if ground water changes can be detected by examining Whati community water testing records and link results with observations made by community workers; 2) to determine the permafrost depth and stability within the community of Whati and surrounding areas of the La Martre River Basin; 3) to review the river discharge data for the Water Survey of Canada gauge on the La Maître River and reference the Feasibility Study Report prepared in 2012 which reported flow increasing on the river and to see the current status of this observation; 4) to install permafrost monitoring equipment to assess permafrost thermal conditions and monitor rates of change; 5) to install groundwater monitoring equipment to map and determine the flow of ground water in and around the community; 6) to provide the community with an assessment of ground water resources and future potential; and 7) to provide the community with an assessment of permafrost. To complete the objectives the research team will measure groundwater flow between defined points to understand the rate of flow. The team will also measure and monitor depth to permafrost and ground temperature conditions in various locations in the community. This data will update the discharge analysis at gauge 07TA001 to the current date from 2010. An analyse of the turbidity data will be done to explore the relationship to pump changes and permafrost. The research team will include the local water treatment plant operator as a team member. Community monitors to help collect data. The team will meet with hunters, trappers and elders to learn traditional knowledge about the water system. The team will continue to have ongoing discussions with the community and provide regular updates to the Senior Administrative Officers and Council. A progress report will be provided to the community once initial work has been completed in 2018 (within 2 months) and at least yearly thereafter. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from March 29, 2018 to April 30, 2018.