Disturbances to the tundra and forest tundra environment of the western Arctic

Abstract

The more important physical disturbances to the tundra environment are discussed with examples. Thermokarst subsidence, not thermal erosion, is shown to be the dominant result of man-induced disturbances, such as those caused by the bulldozing of seismic lines and firebreaks. It is shown that a clear distinction between thermokarst subsidence and thermal erosion is necessary, if the causes of the disturbances are to be prevented and minimized, or the results treated. The typical surface disturbance to the tundra results in a deepening of the active layer. Therefore, foreknowledge of the effect of a disturbance on deepening the active layer, together with information on the ice content of the permafrost affected, makes it possible to predict the amount of thermokarst subsidence likely to take place. Three practical examples of three types of ground disturbance are given: a fire near Inuvik, N.W.T.; a patch of vegetation trampled and killed by a dog at Garry Island, N.W.T.; and seepage down a walking trail in an ice-wedge area at Garry Island, N.W.T. The effects of the disturbances are illustrated and discussed.