The biophysical significance of groundwater and ground ice in cold polar environments

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The far North represents one of the most challenging research environments in Canada, not only does it's natural systems behave differently than elsewhere, but the obstacles to Arctic fieldwork (both scientific and logistical) are enormous. The Arctic is also one of the most important global systems driving ocean and atmospheric circulation. It is also widely recognised as "the canary in the coal mine" for global climate change.  There are recent indications that Arctic climates are changing faster than predicted only a few years ago. Extreme environments like the Arctic provide important clues in our understanding about the limits of physical and biological processes on Earth. Lessons learned in Earth's Polar Regions are being used to develop a better understanding of neighboring planets like Mars.My research focuses on two important aspects of the northern science. First, the dynamic interaction between extreme cold and biophysical systems, in particular the impact of cold temperature and permafrost on the hydrologic and microbiologic character of perennial springs. And secondly, the potential impacts of climate change on permafrost landscapes and infrastructure. My research employs detailed measurement, sampling and modelling in a series of northern locations to better understand the coupling of surface and ground water hydrology, the surface exchange of energy, water and chemical mass, and microbial processes that together control the dynamics of physical and biochemical systems of permafrost and cold polar deserts. It also seeks to explain the dynamic interaction between frozen ground and climate, the formation and degradation of surface and subsurface ice in response to changing climates. This research addresses some of NSERC targeted areas by investigating Arctic global change, Earth system evolution and focusing on topics that play a major role in the sustainable management of northern resources. The North and climate change were also identified as priorities in NSERC's re-allocation recommendations.