This research is being conducted with the permission of the Government of Canada – North West Territories (NWT) – research licence number 17694 which was issued under application number 6131.
This project aims to map channel-lake hydrological connectivity within the delta plain and evaluate the efficiency of fine-grained sediment trapping dynamics by the channel-lake network, using the Big Lake complex in Inuvik as a case study. Achieving the project's goals will specifically allow for identifying areas at risk of communication isolation by developing scenarios of changes in the channel-lake network and sediment deposition (e.g., lake disappearance, loss of lake-channel connections, and siltation of main water-distributing channels) that may affect the accessibility of traditional waterways.
Achieving the project's goals will specifically allow for:
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Understanding the impact of climate change on sediment dynamics in the channel-lake network by examining how permafrost thaw and changes in hydrodynamics influence sediment transport, including sediment retention.
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Identifying areas at risk of communication isolation by developing scenarios of changes in the channel–lake network and sediment deposition (e.g., lake disappearance, loss of lake-channel connections, and siltation of main water-distributing channels) that may affect the accessibility of traditional waterways.
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Developing adaptation scenarios for local communities, including creating risk maps and recommendations for water and sediment management in the delta.
Research team:
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Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Geographical Sciences
Michal Habel,
Sergey Chalov,
Anirban Mukhopadhyay,
Dawid Szatten,
Marta Brzezinska,
Damian Cieplowski,
*Rituparna Acharyya,
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Polish Academy of Science, Institute of Geography and Spatial Organisation
Piotr Gierszewski,
Wlodzimierz Juskiewicz,
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Cracow University of Technology, Faculty of Environmental and Energy Engineering
Pawel Hachaj,
Monika Szlapa,
*Magdalena Tutro,
https://arctic-delta.ukw.edu.pl/jednostka/arctic-deltas-as-sponges