CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Allan, C.J. ; Schiff, S.; Pierson, D.; English, M.; Ecclestone, M.; and Adams, W.P.
Date : 1988
Title : Solifluction and its influence on vegetation and stream water chemistry in small permafrost basins, Axel Heiberg Island, N.W.T.
Publication : Student research in Canada's north : Proceedings of the National Student Conference on Northern Studies, November 18-19, 1986 / Edited by W. Peter Adams and Peter G. Johnson. - Ottawa : ACUNS
Issue :
Page(s) : 239-252.
Abstract
The chemistry of three ephemeral streams which drain into a small, naturally acidified lake located on Axel Heiberg Island (79 25 N, 90 35 W) in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, was examined during the snowmelt in 1984 and 1985. These streams are typical of those which develop during the snowmelt season in the High Arctic. Their drainage areas range from 0.08 to 0.22 ha, they are situated in an area of continuous permafrost. Spatial differences in stream water chemistry were large with average specific conductance values differing more than five fold (75-per microS) and pH values varying by more than 2.7 units (3.8-6.5) over a distance of less than 100 m. Soil stratigraphy generally consisted of a shallow, brown, poorly developed cryosol underlain by a grey-black, highly acidic cryosol that extended to the bottom of the active layer. Disturbance of the upper soil horizons by solifluction, which allowed meltwater to contact the lower soil horizon,appears to be responsible for the observed spatial variation in stream chemistry. Preliminary analysis of vegetation data indicates coverage and species assemblage differences between solifluction scarred and unimpacted basins. Vegetated slopes appeared to export more nutrients (total phosphorus and total organic nitrogen), than non-vegetated slopes.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology