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Ecosystem and Human Use
Monitoring in the High Arctic, Quttinirpaaq National Park.
Presenter: Vicki Sahanatien, Nunavut Field Unit, Parks Canada
Abstract:
Vegetation, soil, permafrost and surface condition data were
collected along nine (9) transects in Quttinirpaaq National Park
from 1990-2000. The purpose of the monitoring was to measure the
effects of foot traffic and natural forces (wind, water,
temperature) on high arctic environments. Quttinirpaaq is
mountainous, ice cap and glacier dominated, relegating most human
use to valley bottoms. Monitoring transects were located near
Tanquary Fiord and Lake Hazen - areas where historic and current
human activities concentrate. The data show that significant
changes have occurred in the vegetation cover, soil moisture and
the active layer (thaw depth) along some transects. The agents of
change are both the current low levels of human use and natural
forces.
C. Tarnocai, J. Gould, and G.
Broll were the primary investigators throughout this project,
and P. Achuff joined the team in 2000. Vicki Sahanatien will be
presenting the results of their research.
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