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PERMAFROST IN MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS OF CANADA
Session: Geocryology I / Géocryologie I
Stephan Gruber, Carleton University (Canada)
Christopher R. Burn, Carleton University (Canada)
Lukas Arenson, BGC Engineering Inc. (Canada)
Marten Geertsema, British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (Canada)
Stuart Harris, University of Calgary (Canada)
Sharon L. Smith, Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada (Canada)
Philip Bonnaventure, University of Lethbridge (Canada)
Bronwyn Benkert, Northern Climate ExChange, Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College (Canada)
About one third of the global permafrost region is situated in mountainous terrain, and in Canada, large areas underlain by permafrost have mountainous topography. Although mountain topography and terrain-related mass movements yield a much greater diversity of ground materials and temperatures per unit area than encountered in polar lowlands, the governing physical principles are the same. Permafrost in mountainous regions thereby enriches the variety of permafrost-related phenomena encountered beyond what is typically found in lowland areas. Permafrost thaw in mountains is relevant as it may increase the potential for geohazards such as debris flows, rock falls, rock avalanches, and displacement waves. There are also implications for hydrology, water quality, and ecosystems. We argue for better integration of permafrost research in mountainous regions with mainstream permafrost research and education in Canada.
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