NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

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; to consider the integrated effect of climate on vegetation, snow, permafrost, streamflow, and lakes; and to develop improved predictive models.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.5166. 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 4) 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 trips over the winter will be 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 research team will also install new instrumentation and carry out maintenance on existing sensors. The 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 the team has 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. A team member will visit the camp during winter. The research team will continue to engage with local community groups via public lectures and science communication events in Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, and Yellowknife. Such activities include public talks, community events, and local school visits to share the research in the region. Due to COVID-19 restrictions to these public engagement activities were limited, but the team plans to continue once restrictions are lifted. The team will also continue to meet with various Inuvialuit and Gwich'in co-management boards in Inuvik which have been involved from the inception of ongoing research projects. The \ students are also encouraged to participate in events sponsored by the Aurora College and through Aurora Research Institute. The research team will continue to use social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to communicate the field efforts and results to the general public. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from March 15, 2022 to December 31, 2022