Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #238: Groundwater hydrology in permafrost regions under a changing climate.  (Permafrost groundwater and climate)

Outline
Groundwater movement through talik in periglacial regions has considerable impact on permafrost stability through the transport of heat during recharge. Groundwater is also a critical component of base flow in Arctic streams and rivers. Discharge points provide spawning and overwintering sites for char and salmon. Under a changing climate, changes to the rates of groundwater recharge and seasonal variations in its contribution to surface water discharge must be considered. The very restricted amount of data on groundwater in the Arctic suggests that it can be a significant component of discharge, particularly in carbonate terrains (Clark and Lauriol, 1997). Further, expansion of talik has been documented during past periods of climate warming (Clark et al., 2004). The objective of the proposed program is to establish the spatial and temporal variations in the contribution of groundwater to surface water discharge in a heterogeneous permafrost catchment. Research will focus on the hydrology of two contrasting catchments; the Fishing Branch River and Cache Creek River in the Northern Yukon. Both are rivers of considerable interest for their spawning and overwintering habitat. A series of stations will be established throughout the catchments for time-series sampling and measurement of discharge. Included will be a series of instrumented sites to sample flow through the active layer over different soil and bedrock types. The analytical program will include major and trace element geochemistry and environmental isotopes, which will act as tracers for the provenance of water and solutes. Three-component mixing calculations through principal component analysis will be used to isolate the sub- and intra-permafrost groundwater component of discharge. Water quality considerations will be part of this study, as the geochemical analyses of the water samples will include nutrients (nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, dissolved carbon). This component will link the water quality parameters with the geology and biogeochemical processes within the catchment. Ultra-low level tritium will be analysed in spring and groundwater discharges for estimates of circulation times. An important component of this work will be the measurement of noble gas concentrations (He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe), which have solubilities that are sensitive to recharge temperatures. Such measurements have never been carried out on permafrost groundwaters, and will provide valuable insight to recharge temperatures and heat transport within talik

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The significance of this project is the contribution to assessing the impact of climate warming on groundwater hydrology and discharge in permafrost regions. Groundwater discharge zones in streams represent essential salmon and char spawning habitat, and contribute seasonal baseflow. Expansion of talik through enhanced groundwater recharge has been documented for past hypsithermals. Changes to seasonal discharge in sensitive basins, as well as to the water quality can be anticipated under a warmer climate.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Fishing Branch River, Yukon, ~ 66°45’N, 140°W Cache Creek River, NWT, ~ 67°45’N, 136°15’W

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 03/06 – 09/06      03/07 – 09/07      03/08 – 03/08
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Site access and camp setup will require helicopter support from Inuvik or Old Crow, including fuel caching. PCSP has provided such support in the past.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
National agency

Helicopter support is provided through the Continental Polar Shelf Project, CPSP, by application and peer review.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?


This is a new project, designed on the basis of past NSERC Discovery Grant research. It is supported by recent laboratory infrastructure funded through CFI and OIT.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed through the University of Ottawa and the PI.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Highly Qualified Personnel is a cornerstone of the program, with training at the PhD (1), MSc (2) and undergraduate level (2 per summer). The Vuntut Gwich’in First Nation will be involved, assuring outreach and communication with local stakeholders.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
This will be addressed in the full proposal

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Partners should have some funding through existing and proposed programs, although national funding sources will be required. Polar Shelf support is anticipated.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Ian Clark
University of Ottawa, Department of Earth Science
140 Louis Pasteur
Ottawa
K1N 6N5
Canada

Tel: 613-562-5800 x 6137
Mobile: no
Fax: 613-562-5192
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation