Permafrost degradation
Researcher: Dr Norm Catto
Warming arctic climate, decreased extent of sea ice, and
increased wave activity are combining to increase the rate of
permafrost melting in many areas of the Arctic. Our current
research, focused on the Canadian Arctic communities of Gjoa Haven,
Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk, Igloolik, Arctic Bay, and Hall Beach,
involves:
- assessing the rate of change
- studying the mass movement processes involved
- determining the relative importance of factors contributing to
degradation
- assessing the impacts on communities and infrastructure
- working with Arctic communities to adapt to changes
