ABSTRACT: Zoological erosion in permafrost environments: a possible origin of dells?

CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Abstract

In most cold-region studies, animals as geomorphic agents have been considered "curiosities" and thus not in need of study and quantification. Available evidence does, however, indicate that animals can be major causes of erosion and sediment transport. Furthermore, the zoogeomorphic effects may be explained by other processes that would otherwise not occur. Permafrost is susceptible to degradation as a result of loss of the active layer. Surface processes in permafrost regions are greatly affected by the vegetation cover such that loss of vegetation and erosion of the active layer causes melting of the permafrost, surface runoff, erosion, and debris transport. It is suggested that muskox frequently follow the troughs of ice-wedge polygons as preferential access routes to streams and rivers. In doing so, they cause erosion of the vegetation and active layer, thereby causing permafrost degradation and initiation of secondary geomorphic processes. Based on observations on Ellesmere Island, it is suggested that this form of zoological erosion could explain the occurrence of dells.

Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology