See also:
Arctic Borderlands Ecological Knowledge Co-op
Permafrost Monitoring
Much of the northern Yukon is underlain by permafrost. Each summer, the upper layer of the permafrost, called the "active layer", melts and then freezes again in the winter. The depth of the active layer varies from place to place and year to year, according to environmental and climatic conditions. Temperature changes expected with global climate change are likely to increase the depth of active layer thaw in many areas, perhaps resulting in the thawing of materials that have been frozen for tens or hundreds of years. This increased depth of thaw can have many effects at the ground surface. The melting of underground ice can cause ground slumping and increases in soil moisture, which in turn may affect plant growth, surface erosion, and the stability of man made structures such as buildings and roads.
Current monitoring
- Scott Smith, Research Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, has maintained a soil temperature site near Eagle Plains for approximately 10 years. The data set includes temperature probes at a depth of 1.0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 150 cm.
- Chris Burn, Carleton University, has an ongoing project in Mayo investigating permafrost and climate change and some of this work has included detailed measurements of soil temperatures and changes in permafrost.
Old Crow Plant Project
- Environment Canada and the North Yukon Renewable Resources Council worked together to establish a long-term soil temperature monitoring program in Old Crow in 1997. The program is being co-ordinated through the Arctic Borderlands Ecological Knowledge Co-operative. Measurements of soil temperatures and plant cover in the Old Crow area are being made to monitor for potential changes related to global climate change. More information about this joint project can be found in the Projects section.
