NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Tags: physical sciences, hydrology, prediction models, snow

Objective(s): To develop improved understanding of, and ability to predict, 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; and, to develop improved predictive models.

Project Description: The objectives of this project are to develop improved understanding of, and ability to predict, snowcover formation and melt, as well as stream discharge in northern regions; toconsider the integrated effect of climate on vegetation, snow, permafrost, streamflow, and lakes; and, to develop improved predictive models. These will allow a better understanding of the impact of climate change and/or natural resource development on the water resources of the NWT. Field work will start in January, with field trips over the winter to check sensors and carry out snow measurements within the measurement area of these snow sensors. The research team will then start longer duration field observations in late March or early April for measurement of end of winter snow on the ground by using manual snow surveys and airborne sensors. At this time the 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 (at the same site we have had a camp from 1991 to about 2005, and 2015 to present) 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 have had the assistance of students and technicians in the past. The assistants will play a key role in operating the research sites year round. The resrach team will also continue to visit the East Three Secondary School whenever possible. Previously our Graduate and Undergraduate Students have led hands on field exercises with the help of the Aurora College. The team hope to continue this in the future and increase the amount of interactions with the students. Public talks have also been hosted with the help of Aurora College and the Aurora Research Institute and the team plan to increase the frequency of these educational interactions within the community. The research team will continue to use social media to communicate the field efforts and results. In addition the team will provide public lectures in Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, and Yellowknife. The research team will also continue to meet with various Inuvialuit and Gwich'in co-management boards in Inuvik. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from March 5, 2019 to December 31, 2019.