NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Principal Investigator: Varner, Ruth K
Licensed Year(s): 2019
Summary: The aim of this project is to combine remote sensing data, field measurements and biogeochemical modeling to improve methane emissions estimates from thawing permafrost peatland landscapes at local, regional and global scales. To accomplish this, the research team will integrate data on water table and vegetation from remote sensing (satellites, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs)), with local measurem...

Principal Investigator: Hajnsek, Irena
Licensed Year(s): 2019 2018
Summary: For this project the research team will conduct the collection of microwave radar backscatter data of permafrost and boreal forest at wavelengths of 3cm (X-band), 6cm (C-band), 10cm (S-band) and 23cm (L-band). This process will capture two stable permafrost active layer states: thawed and frozen. The research team will derive information about permafrost (e.g. soil status, soil moisture) and about...

Principal Investigator: Ullmann, Tobias
Licensed Year(s): 2019 2018
Summary: The proposed project will investigate the possibility of linking field-measured characteristics of tundra landscapes (e.g., active layer thickness, soil moisture, plant distribution and ecosystem composition, etc.) with remotely-sensed data. The overall objective of the project is to identify the connections that exist between observable surface properties and their associated subsurface/permafros...

Principal Investigator: Smith, Laurence C.
Licensed Year(s): 2017
Summary: The goal of this project is to measure variations in water surface elevation, inundation extent, permafrost presence/absence, active layer thickness, soil moisture and related variables for lakes, wetlands and rivers in four primary study areas within the Northwest Territories (NWT). Using ground measurements combined with maps of water surface elevation produced by the Air Surface Water and Ocean...

Principal Investigator: Höfle, Bernhard
Licensed Year(s): 2016 2015
Summary: The goal of the proposed study is to develop a new method that improves the detection of vertical movements caused by thawing and freezing processes of the permafrost. Previous studies showed the theoretical use of remote sensing data for such surface deformations, but also highlighted limitations. As these thawing and freezing processes are mainly responsible for such things as streets breaking a...

Principal Investigator: Lantz, Trevor C.
Licensed Year(s): 2016 2015
Summary: The objectives of this research project are: 1) To use remote sensing to document the rate and extent of landscape change on Banks Island; 2) To examine the effects of tundra disturbances using detailed field investigations; and 3) To establish permanent vegetation and berry monitoring plots to track change over time. Use remote sensing to document the rate and extent of landscape change o...

Principal Investigator: Quinton, William L.
Licensed Year(s): 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001
Summary: The long-term goal of this research project is to develop a suite of models for predicting the response of discontinuous permafrost in the Hay River Lowland to climate warming and human disturbance from oil and gas exploration, and the consequent change in landcover and river flow regime. This will be achieved by meeting the following short-term objectives: 1) map the spatial distribution of perma...

Principal Investigator: Pollard, Wayne H
Licensed Year(s): 2010 2009
Summary: The focus of this research is to better understand the distribution of underground ice in hydrocarbon development areas. By identifying how much ice there is, we want to study how oil/gas activities and climate change could affect the land. The reseracher plans to use non-destructive techniques like ground-penetrating radar to accomplish our surveys. March-April, 2010: plan is to conduct 1-2 we...

Principal Investigator: Nguyen, Thai-Nguyen
Licensed Year(s): 2006 2005
Summary: The climate and numerous field reports indicate that permafrost should be continuous in the Mackenzie Delta. However, the most recent permafrost map in the Atlas of Canada classifies the delta as having discontinuous permafrost. Yet, no extensive fieldwork covering the entire delta has ever been realized. Unfrozen conditions beneath the ground, near shifting channels, have been recognized by vario...

Principal Investigator: Pollard, Wayne H
Licensed Year(s): 2006 2005 2004 2003
Summary: Sand, gravel and crushed stone are valuable geological resources, collectively known as aggregates. They are essential bed, foundation and building materials. The presence of massive ice in aggregate deposits results in a series of resource management problems, particularly for the oil industry and its contractors who rely on local granular deposits as building material. From an environmental pers...