The excursion, led by C.R. Burns, Dept. of Geography, Carleton University, will visit sites in Takhini River Valley, 50 km west of Whitehorse, where air and ground temperatures are being monitored.

The area was burned by a forest fire in 1958 and long term permafrost degradation has occurred as a result. Vegetation regeneration has been slow because the area is dry.
There are several thermokarst ponds near the study sites, which are drying up as vegetation recovers and the permafrost table drops.

The excursion will also visit sites where the ground has subsided following clearance for agriculture.

This will be a half day trip, returning to Whitehorse in the early afternoon, with lunch in the field. Transportation will be by bus.

Note: Access to one site involves crossing wet ground.

For more information contact Chris Burn (crburn@ccs.carleton.ca)