SUCCESSION IN TUNDRA LANDSCAPES AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR POLAR RESTORATION EFFORTS: CASE STUDY OF HERSCHEL ISLAND, YT, CANADA

Heather Cray, Wayne Pollard, Stephen Murphy

In the proceedings of: GeoQuébec 2015: 68th Canadian Geotechnical Conference & 7th Canadian Permafrost Conference

Session: Permafrost (Other) / Pergélisol (autre)

ABSTRACT: This research investigates natural revegetation patterns following permafrost disturbance by retrogressive thaw slumps on Herschel Island, YT. Seven sites were chosen, representing undisturbed areas in addition to 250, 20, and 10 year old stabilized thaw slumps. Species diversity and percent cover of different plant functional groups are presented. Results indicate that distinct vegetation assemblages are associated with each age class, and that changes persist for centuries. Using the natural successional plant communities presented here as a guideline, ecological restoration methods using propagule addition which targets effective natural initial colonizers are suggested. If our goal is to control erosion, create habitat, and enhance freezeback in these landscapes at an accelerated pace, this type of restoration intervention may be necessary and is thus a promising direction for future research.

RÉSUMÉ: Cette recherche examine les modèles de revégétalisation naturelle à la suite de perturbations du pergélisol par chel, YT. Sept sites représentant des zones non perturbées, ainsi que des proportionnelle de la diversité des espèces et le pourcentage de couverture de plusieurs groupes fonctionnels de plantes sont présentés. Les résultats indiquent que des assemblages de végétation distincts sont associés à chaque classe gétales naturelles et de lutter

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