Articles | Volume 13, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-1439-2016
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https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-1439-2016
© Author(s) 2016. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
08 Mar 2016
Research article |
| 08 Mar 2016
Nonlinear thermal and moisture response of ice-wedge polygons to permafrost disturbance increases heterogeneity of high Arctic wetland
Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Center for Northern Studies, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
Daniel Fortier
Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Center for Northern Studies, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
Esther Lévesque
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
Center for Northern Studies, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Short summary
Bowl-shaped ice-wedge polygons in permafrost regions can retain snowmelt water and moisture in their center. On Bylot Island (NU, CA), a rapidly developing thermal erosion gully eroded the polygons' ridges, impacting the polygon centers' ground moisture and temperature, plant cover and species. An intact polygon was homogeneous in its center for the aforementioned elements, whereas eroded polygons had a varying response following the breach, with heterogeneity as their new equilibrium state.
Bowl-shaped ice-wedge polygons in permafrost regions can retain snowmelt water and moisture in...
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