The Influence of Thermokarst Subsidence on Peatland and the Role of Climatic Change within the Discontinuous Permafrost Zone in the Southern Mackenzie Valley
Principal Investigator: Spivey, Diane (1)
Licence Number: 8118
Organization: Carleton University
Licensed Year(s): 1988
Issued: Jan 01, 1988

Objective(s): to investigate the causes of melting beneath peat landforms; to map, survey, and sample vegetation on peat landforms; to investigate the thermal properties of peat; and to use this information to determine the climatic changes that have occurred in the last century

Project Description: Diane Spivey is interested in knowing why there is less permafrost now in peatbogs. First, she will be mapping areas that have thawed and collapsed. Then, she will be looking and sampling vegetation to see if the vegetation has been disturbed so that it no longer insulates the permafrost as well. Last, she will look to see how well peat retains heat and acts as an insulator. She will use this information for her Master's thesis.