CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Couture, N.J.; and Pollard, W.H.
Date : 2007.
Title : Modelling geomorphic response to climatic change.
Publication : Climatic Change
Issue : 85(3-4):
Page(s) : 407-431.
Abstract
This paper develops a three-step thaw model to assess the impact of predicted warming on an ice-rich polar desert landscape in the Canadian high Arctic. Air temperatures are established for two climate scenarios, showing mean annual increases of 4.9 and 6.5 degrees C. This leads to a lengthening of the summer thaw season by up to 26 days and increased thaw depths of 12-70 cm, depending on the thermal properties of the soil. Subsidence of the ground surface is the primary landscape response to warming and is shown to be a function of the amount and type of ground ice in various cryostratigraphic units. In areas of pore ice and thin ice lenses with a low density of ice wedges, subsidence may be as much as 32 cm. In areas with a high density of ice wedges, subsidence will be slightly higher at 34 cm. Where massive ice is present, subsidence will be greater than 1 m. Landscape response to new climate conditions can take up to 15 years, and may be as long as 50 years in certain cases.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology