Polythermal Glacier and Permafrost Hydrodynamic Interactions

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Permafrost and glaciers are widespread in the Canadian North. Approximately half of the Canadian landmass is underlain by permafrost and there are estimated to be in the order of 100,000 glaciers in Canada. Both permafrost and glaciers are very susceptible to climatic change. Unfortunately, relatively little is known about the interaction between these two systems, specifically how water moves within and between them. The impact of climate change on permafrost and glacier hydrodynamics is even more poorly understood, even though there is the potential for dramatic affects to the surrounding landscape and downstream environments. This research will utilize a combination of new geophysical and remote sensing methods to investigate how water moves through Arctic glaciers and out into the surrounding permafrost environment. The study area for this research is on Bylot Island in Sirmilik National Park in the eastern Canadian Arctic. Bylot Island is an ideal location to undertake this research as it has abundant glaciers and thick permafrost, and in many ways is very representative of many other locations in the Arctic. The research will involve mapping conduits within the glaciers and surrounding permafrost and tracing water flow through the system, locating areas where it is being dammed up and determining the impact of water at the base of the glaciers on their movement. As well, since the glaciers are now quickly retreating, we will be examining how this retreat influences the hydrological system. The ultimate result of this research will be a new hydrodynamic model of the permafrost-glacier hydrologic system that can be used by environmental scientists and regulators to assist in northern development and management and help them understand potential impacts of climate change.