CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Ednie, M.; and Lewkowicz, A.
Date : 2002.
Title : Preliminary evaluation of the basal temperature of snow method to map discontinuous mountain permafrost, Wolf Creek, Yukon Territory.
Publication : Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers – Ontario Division. University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario. October 25-26, 2002.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
The basal temperature of snow (BTS) method, used to map mountain permafrost in the European Alps, was evaluated in Wolf Creek, southern Yukon Territory, Canada. The Wolf Creek watershed is a 185 km2 basin with complex terrain, situated ~20 km south of Whitehorse, Yukon (60º30’N, 135º13’W). A map of BTS values for the basin was developed based on the relation between incoming solar radiation, elevation and 239 BTS values collected in April 2001 and 2002. Two hundred geo-referenced pits were excavated between late July and August 2002 at altitudes of 1188 m to 2078 m a.s.l. These were used to measure or estimate the depth to frost table (if any), and the organic mat thickness. Soil characteristics, and vegetation were also described. Preliminary results indicate a continuous distribution of permafrost at BTS values < -6ºC. The probability of permafrost decreases to 25% at –1ºC BTS. An organic mat thicker than 10 cm was associated with the presence of permafrost across a wide range of elevations. Conversely, locations with thin organic mats experienced a wider variety of permafrost and nonpermafrost conditions.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology