ABSTRACT: Climate change, permafrost degradation, and infrastructure adaptation: preliminary results from a pilot community case study in the Mackenzie valley.

CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Abstract

Regional studies show that permafrost will disappear partly or completely over large areas of the north should predicted climate change occur. Much of the infrastructure in northern communities relies on the properties of frozen materials for stability. Ground warming could degrade the performance of existing structures. The Geological Survey of Canada is initiating an assessment of infrastructure needs in the north, by examining sensitivity to impacts of permafrost degradation under climate warming, using a community-level approach in the Mackenzie valley. Over the last century, this area has undergone the most warming in Canada and mean annual air temperatures are predicted increase up to 4° or 5°C in the next century. Preliminary results are presented of the pilot study at Norman Wells, Northwest Territories, where surficial geology, permafrost, and geotechnical conditions are described, and performance and sensitivity of infrastructure are examined.

Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology