CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Gallinger, B.J.
Date : 1991
Title : Permafrost degradation and thermokarst processes associated with human-induced disturbances, Fort Norman, N.W.T.
Publication : Unpublished M.Sc. thesis. University of Alberta, Edmonton.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
The primary objective of this project was to define and quantify some of the short-term terrain responses to various levels of human disturbance. The nature of the SEEDS site disturbance involved the creation of hand-cleared rights-of-way (ROW) and a simulated buried pipeline trench. The results from the first three thaw seasons form the basis of this thesis. Controlled disturbances have had an effect on the thickness and rate of thaw of the active layer and on the degree of thermokarst subsidence. In general, all disturbed surfaces had an increased thaw depth and rate relative to the undisturbed control. The degree of alteration to the vegetation canopy and of the organic mat determined the impact on the thermal regime and the consequent degradation of the near-surface permafrost. The greater the degree of disruption the greater the depth of thaw. A number of unintentional disturbances, such as footpaths, also resulted in surface disruption and permafrost degradation. As of 1988, the revegetation experiments had no significant impact in slowing the rate of thaw. Insulation treatments, on the other hand, have had a limited retarding effect.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology