Arctic hydrogeology and paleoclimatology

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The cryosphere constitutes roughly one half of Canada's land mass, and is underlain by perennially frozen terrain - permafrost - that greatly alters the mechanisms we know to govern water movement through watersheds in temperate landscapes. Groundwater movement through talik (unfrozen) zones in permafrost is an important component of the Arctic hydrological cycle, as it provides base flow for fish spawning habitat. It is involved in the formation of endostromatolites, biomineralizations that hold paleoclimate information as well as information on life in extreme environments. Long-term impacts of groundwater in talik also include effects on mining in the north and on nuclear waste repositories over the scale of glacial/interglacial cycles. While little is known about the role of groundwater in the north today, even less is understood about its role under past Arctic climates.The challenge of Arctic hydrogeology and paleohydrogeology is in the development of new research approaches that elucidate changes to groundwater flow systems under changing climates, past, present and future. Our work in this vast and remote region relies on the use of isotopes and geochemistry, which are natural tracers of water. When measured in minerals and sediments, these tools provide information on past climates. Our laboratory capabilities have greatly expanded over the past three years to include new and exciting analytical capabilities. Together with Discovery Grant support, my work embarks upon a new phase of Arctic research involving new students and collaborators, making new discoveries in Arctic hydrogeology and paleoclimatology.