NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: physical sciences, climate change, carbon, wood transport

Objective(s): To understand the dynamics of large wood transport in the Mackenzie River and Delta by identifying the locations of wood sources and deposition, and quantifying the amount of wood that reaches the delta and the processes affecting wood transport.

Project Description: The objectives of this project are to understand the dynamics of large wood transport in the Mackenzie River and Delta by identifying the locations of wood sources and deposition, and quantifying the amount of wood that reaches the delta and the processes affecting wood transport. Using this knowledge, the research team can make estimates of carbon transport to the Arctic and improve global models of climate change. To accomplish the research objectives, the research team will combine image analysis and field observations. The researchers will first identify locations of wood recruitment along the Mackenzie River and in the delta using satellite imagery and photographs taken using time lapse cameras already in the field. Additional time lapse cameras will be installed along the Mackenzie and Peel rivers that will assist in quantifying the amount and timing of wood transport. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software will be used to analyze these images, with the aim of measuring wood volume. These analyses will also help identify locations for field observations. While the researchers will view and analyze imagery for the Mackenzie River, field work will focus only on wood recruitment in the delta for this field season. Field sites will include areas of high wood recruitment with the aim of visiting at least three sites. Work at these sites will involve measuring geometry of wood piles, elevation of wood along banks, and making notes about surrounding forest density. Assessments will also be made on processes influencing wood, such as surveying trees growing over wood piles and observing the influence of ice jams. Samples of downed wood may be collected from certain sites and dated for carbon age. This sampling will involve collecting a small amount of dead wood and storing it in aluminum foil. Opportunities for local involvement include having high school, college students and other interested groups assist in field work. With a plan to visit different sites throughout the Mackenzie River Delta, there could be several different groups involved, depending on interest. All interested groups would be kept informed of results and the team would further participate in outreach to the local community through presentations about the work. The results of this research will be communicated to the individuals and communities in the NWT through reports and talks presented to the community. Any academic papers published related to this work will be shared with the community. The researchers will maintain correspondence with the Gwich’in Renewable Resources Board over results that align with their research objectives. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from May 16, 2019 to October 31, 2019.