Yukon Permafrost Database: A new baseline data resource
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The Yukon Geological Survey (YGS) has compiled available geotechnical and ground temperature data and related literature from government, industry and other contributors into the Yukon Permafrost Database. This paper reviews the database development process and structure, provides a snapshot of the primary datasets that have been loaded to date and discusses some of its limitations. The database is publicly accessible from an online portal (https://yukon.ca/en/yukonpermafrost) where data may be explored interactively in web maps, tables, and time series and ground temperature envelope graphics. Database contents are also available for download in a variety of formats. The Yukon Permafrost Database provides easily accessible data on permafrost distribution and thermal regime to support the assessment of thaw-related hazard and risk, and works towards the integration of disparate permafrost data at a territorial scale. The database will be maintained and updated regularly and YGS welcomes data contributions from government, industry and academic researchers to facilitate ongoing improvements to our collective knowledge of permafrost in Yukon.
Surficial geology and geohazards of the greater Whitehorse area.
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Remote predictive community-scale surficial geology mapping was completed for the greater Whitehorse area, through desktop interpretation of recent high-resolution imagery (primarily 2013–2019 lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) and 2007 air photos), and supported by field investigations carried out during the 2017–2021 field seasons. The nominal scale of mapping is 1:15 000, although some features were mapped at scales as large as 1:5000. This report provides background on the mapping methodology and classification system used, as well as some discussion of geohazards. The surficial geology is provided as a series of ten 1:15 000 scale map sheets in PDF format (Sheets 1 to 10; Fig. 1), and digitally in Esri geodatabase format (with standardized symbology files), as an accompaniment to this open file report. The map was also used to develop an aggregate potential model (Sheet 11), which can be used to help guide future exploration for gravel resources in the study area. Geohazards that exist within the study area include landslides, radon gas, seismicity, permafrost and flooding. This report focusses on landslides as the primary geohazard, and includes a robust summary of the unprecedented landslide activity along the Whitehorse escarpment that occurred in early 2022. Recent and historical landslide features are also identified in the accompanying surficial geology map. Landforms that indicate the presence of permafrost are likewise identified in the surficial geology map. Additionally, Yukon Geological Survey (YGS) collaborated with Yukon University Research Centre (YRC) from 2017 to 2021 to characterize permafrost in the region in detail. The results of this work were recently published by Roy et al. (2021). Their report also provides a summary of historical climate trends and future climate change projections for the Whitehorse area.
Summary of Yukon Geological Survey permafrost monitoring network results, 2008-2013
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Up to six years of data have been collected at seven stations within Yukon Geological Survey’s permafrost monitoring network between 2008 and 2013. Warm permafrost conditions (>-0.5°C) governed by latent heat effects exist at the Whitehorse, Watson Lake, Ross River School and Dawson School monitoring stations, while average permafrost temperatures in Faro are only marginally cooler at -0.6°C. Mean annual ground temperatures at the Beaver Creek and the Dawson dump forest monitoring stations are much colder at -2.9 and -2.0°C respectively. Most sites show either insignificant or very slight short term permafrost warming trends, although slight cooling is apparent at Ross River School, and rapid warming has occurred at Beaver Creek over the monitoring period. Opportunities to expand the network and collaborate with external parties operating similar monitoring stations should be further explored to facilitate more complete and representative reporting on the thermal state of permafrost in Yukon.
Permafrost Considerations for Effective Mine Site Development in the Yukon Territory
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The presence and proper classification of permafrost is essential to mine planning, operation, and abandonment in the Yukon Territory. This paper discusses the current state of practice regarding permafrost delineation and classification, presents information regarding design and monitoring of structures on permafrost (with particular reference to mining), and includes examples of Yukon and other northern mines where permafrost has affected operations. Permafrost in the Yukon is particularly sensitive to disturbance, as it is generally ¿warm¿ and discontinuous. It is therefore extremely critical that planning for new mines include provisions for the proper classification of permafrost on the mine property, as it will directly affect operations and abandonment of the site, with corresponding financial implications.