Permafrost and hydrogeology interactions: subarctic Canadian Shield

Peter D. Morse, Chris Spence

In the proceedings of: GeoOttawa 2017: 70th Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 12th joint with IAH-CNC

Session: Cold Regions Hydrogeology I

ABSTRACT: This paper reviews the interactions between permafrost (an aquitard) and water flow systems within discontinuous permafrost of the subarctic Canadian Shield, identifies knowledge gaps, and describes potential consequences of changing permafrost conditions as a result of climate warming. Discontinuous permafrost in this region is in thermal disequilibrium, with frozen ground occupying small but perhaps crucial locations along the drainage network. It is unclear how changes to permafrost-hydrogeology interactions will influence larger basin scales and cascade through subsequent environmental systems. We develop a conceptual framework of how non-linear changes to permafrost-hydrogeology interactions may progress due to climate warming. These changes have broad implications for water resources and affect northern environments, societies, and economies. Knowledge gained from conceptual framework development is the first step towards improving adaptation and mitigation measures to changing permafrost-hydrogeology interactions.

RÉSUMÉ: Cet article examine les pergélisol discontinu de la région subarctique du Bouclier canadien, cerne les lacunes en matière de connaissances, et tion des conditions de pergélisol avec le réchauffement climatique. Le pergélisol discontinu de cette région est en déséquilibre thermique, le sol gelé occupant des petits endroits cruciaux le gements dans les interactions permafrost-hydrologie élaborons un cadre conceptuel sur la façon dont les changements non linéaires des interactions pergélisol-hydrogéologie peuvent progresser avec le réchauffement climatique. Cela a de vastes répercussions sur les ressources en eau qui affectent les environnements, les sociétés et les économies nordiques. Les connaissances acquises grâce à l-hydrologie.

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Cite this article:
Peter D. Morse; Chris Spence (2017) Permafrost and hydrogeology interactions: subarctic Canadian Shield in GEO2017. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{geo2017Paper418,author = Peter D. Morse; Chris Spence,title = Permafrost and hydrogeology interactions: subarctic Canadian Shield,year = 2017}