A test plot study of a permafrost slope in Mackenzie Valley, NWT

Baolin Wang, Bhuwani Paudel, Haoqiang Li

In the proceedings of: GeoManitoba 2012: 65th Canadian Geotechnical Conference

Session: W1C - Cold Regions Engineering II

ABSTRACT: Two test plots were developed in 2007 near a retrogressive thaw slide in the Mackenzie Valley, about 120 km southeast of Inuvik, Northwest Territories. The area was burned in 1998 that destroyed all trees and vegetation. The test plot study was to investigate ground condition changes and slope movement characteristics associated with surface disturbance. The test plots were developed by excavating a surface area of 6 m x 20 m each on a gentle slope of about 10º. Surface materials were removed with hand shovels to a depth of 0.5 m and 0.6 m respectively. Inclinometers were installed in the test plots. Ground surface subsidence, thaw depth and slope movements were measured. In one year, the maximum thaw depth increased by 60 cm and 78 cm. The ground surface subsided by 10 cm and 30 cm. The slope moved about 12 mm and 30 mm. A slip surface was detected at the permafrost table.

RÉSUMÉ: environ 120 km au sud-, Territoires du Nord-incendie a brûlé le couvert végétal et forestier de cette région. Aux deux sites, une couche superficielle de sol sur des épaisseurs respectives de 0,5 et 0,6 m et une superficie de 6 m par 20 m a été excavée manuellement. Le terrain de ces omètres on été installés dans la zone excavée des année. Les résultats montrent que la profondeur de dégel maximale a augmenté de 60 et 78 cm en un an, alors que les tassements mesurés ont été respectivement de 10 et 30 cm. Les déplacements le long des pentes ont été respectivement de 12 et 30 mm. Une surface de glissement a été observée au niveau du plafond du pergélisol.

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