Chapter 20 - Rivers of Arctic North America

Abstract

This chapter describes the geomorphology, hydrology, chemistry, biodiversity, and ecology of rivers in the North American Arctic. The history, physiography, climate, and land use of the Arctic regions are also described. The chapter includes details on the Kobuk and Colville rivers in Alaska, the Thelon and Kazan rivers in the central Canadian Arctic, Koroc River and Nakvak Brook in the eastern Canadian low Arctic, Thomsen River on Banks Island in the western Canadian Arctic Archipelago, and Ruggles River on Ellesmere Island in the Canadian high Arctic. The rivers are characteristic of the major ecoregions of the North American Arctic, covering a range of geomorphological and physiographic conditions. The history of use of the rivers by Inuit and Dene First Nations Peoples of the north provides the foundation to understand the social, cultural, and economic importance of the river systems, and potential threats to the rivers from climate change are outlined.