CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Bode, J.A.
Date : 2009.
Title : Quantifying ice wedge and ground ice volume, Taglu Island, Mackenzie Delta, Canada.
Publication : Unpublished MSc thesis. University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
With potential development of the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline in northern Canada, it becomes increasingly necessary to understand all aspects of the permafrost environment affected by this project. A major concern with development is terrain disturbance within the Kendall Island Bird Sanctuary resulting in an alteration of the subsurface thermal regime. Warming of the subsurface could lead to the melting of excess ground ice causing significant subsidence. A combination of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and remote sensing data were used to estimate ice wedge volume. The Mackenzie Valley Geotechnical database was used to estimate the volume of smaller bodies of ice. Combining these two, a map of estimated ground ice content was constructed. The ground ice estimates in the study area ranged from 9% to 79% for the top 5.5 meters of the subsurface. This means if the top 5.5 m of soil were to thaw, subsidence from melting of ice alone could be 0.39 m to 4.35 m.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology