NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area, North Slave Region

Tags: physical sciences, geography, permafrost thaw, permafrost distribution

Objective(s): To better understand how permafrost differs in temperature and chemical/physical characteristics from place to place; how these different types of permafrost react to change (climate/disturbance); and, which future changes in permafrost are likely and which are less likely based on computer simulations.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No.5425. The objectives of this project are to understand: 1) how permafrost differs in temperature and chemical/physical characteristics from place to place; 2) how these different types of permafrost react to change (climate/disturbance); and, 3) which future changes in permafrost are likely and which are less likely based on computer simulations. The research team will take high-quality ground temperature measurements in forest, tundra, and in the transition. Few measurements of water content in soil and the up-down movement of the soil surface will be taken. The team will analyze measurements statistically (topography, temperature, physical characteristics, movement), and will evaluate computer simulations with field measurements. The research team will take advantage of other projects in the region and collaborate closely with the Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS). Access will be very low impact and rely on roads, existing camps, helicopters, or snow machine. The field crew will not disturb wildlife and take care to avoid migrating caribou or other large animals. The instrumentation involves very small battery driven data loggers (about 15 cm in length) that will be concealed at ground level in an unobtrusive container. Site installations must have negligible impact to the permafrost, soils, and surrounding vegetation. Some stations measure air temperature, but most will leave no visible trace on the ground surface. Field visits are brief in duration and a flexible schedule allows northern research partners to accompany the team or to perform tasks such as taking photographs or reading-out data loggers when convenient. Personal communication and working together: The research group has a regular collaboration and communication with NTGS, and with Aurora Research Institute staff. Other personal contacts exist with departments of Environment and Natural Resources, and Infrastructure in Yellowknife; with the Northwest Territories Association of Communities and with the Inuvialuit Game Council. Many of the partnerships are further strengthened thought Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada PermafrostNet that is an umbrella organization for the work described here. Regular presentations are given at the Yellowknife Geoscience Forum. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from August 3, 2023 to December 31, 2023.