CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Etienne, B.; Bégin, Y.; and Arseneault, D.
Date : 2008.
Title : Impacts of recurring ice-jams on channel geometry and geomorphology in a small high-boreal watershed.
Publication : International Arctic Change 2008 Conference. December 9-12, 2008. Quebec City, Quebec.
Issue : Conference Programme and Abstracts
Page(s) : 55.
Abstract
River ice-jams are generally perceived as significant erosive events and are well known to impact both channel morphology and geometry. However, the extent of these impacts and the frequency of events required to maintain ice-scoured morphologies remain unexplored. In this study, we investigated downstream variations in geometric and geomorphologic characteristics in a small high-boreal watershed. We coupled these observations to dendrochronological data on ice-jam frequency. It is shown that channels affected by ice erosion experience a rapid retreat of the upper bank and significant deposition on the lower bench. Our results show that channels appear enlarged and present a typical two-level ice-scoured morphology when ice-jams recur more often than once every five years. By contrast, channels appear unaffected when ice-jams are less frequent. We therefore conclude that ice-jam frequencies should be taken into account in order to better define the role of ice as a geomorphological agent in cold-environments.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology