Tristan MacLean

Theme 1 workshop

Theme 1 and Database Development Workshop

“It was very convenient to be able to connect to the workshop remotely so that I could get an update on other people’s work and so I could give an update on my research as well. I like how the network ensures everybody can attend important meetings while also helping to lower our carbon footprint.”

Ariane Castagner

In February 2020 Theme 1 organized a two-day database development meeting in Ottawa that brought together investigators, graduate students, government collaborators and the network data scientist. This was the network’s first hybrid event, with some participants joining virtually using ZOOM, a video conferencing platform. 

The event began on Thursday 6 February with a discussion about the existing ground ice maps for Canada.  Brendan O’Neill and Steve Wolfe presented the most recent GSC ground ice map (O’Neill et al. 2020), and the group discussed the possible areas for improvement and future. In the afternoon, students Joe Young, Alejandro Alvarez and Ariane Castagner presented on their research.

On Friday, Steve Kokelj introduced the NWT Thermokarst Mapping Initiative and discussed possibilities for evaluating the Ground Ice Distribution and thermokarst potential. Next, the group reviewed regional datasets that could be used to test or improve ground ice mapping; Peter Morse, Ariane Castagner, Ashley Rudy, Panya Lipovsky, Pascale Roy Léveillée, Daniel Fortier and Toni Lewkowicz each presented datasets from their study sites or area of expertise. These datasets ranged in geography from the Yukon to the Hudson Bay Lowlands to the polar deserts of the high arctic.

This was followed by a discussion of some of the key questions for the PermafrostNet Ground Ice Potential map: whether test sites should be used for evaluation (and how such and evaluation might be done!) and how the maps might move past rule-based strategies to include remotely sensed or hybrid models.

Finally, Nick Brown presented on the existing database structures that could be used for compiling diverse permafrost data for the network, and initiated discussion about how to improve the database to meet the needs of the network. This also included a discussion of how ground ice mapping efforts could benefit from the PermafrostNet partnership with CCADI. 

Photos: Nick Brown and Emma Stockton

By Tristan MacLean, ago

Student employment program – Freezing and thawing processes using passive or/and active inter-seasonal heat/cold redistribution systems to stabilize permafrost thawing or thaw permafrost.

Posted: January 2020
Anticipated start:  January 2020.
Supervisor: Igor Egorov, Research Officer / Agent de recherche associé, Civil Engineering Infrastructure / Infrastructures de génie civil, Construction Research Centre / Centre de recherche en construction, National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada.

Project description: Freezing and thawing processes using passive or/and active inter-seasonal heat/cold redistribution systems to stabilize permafrost thawing or thaw permafrost.

Job description: Literature review, data analyses. mathematical modelling and participating in design of effective inter-seasonal heat/cold redistribution systems based on the collected field data. Knowledge of mathematics, thermodynamics, permafrost sciences, physics of freezing and thawing, heat and mass transfer will be an asset.

Student employment program – further details.

Research Abstract 

Project intends to model and design heat transfer systems for the new technology called inter-seasonal heat/cold transfer, to stabilize permafrost and increase resilience of buildings and infrastructure against permafrost degradation and weather extremes or thaw permafrost before construction. Mathematical modelling of inter-seasonal heat/cold transfer based on collected field data combined with historical data will provide direct and reliable methodology for capturing surplus cold in the winter and storing it in the ground using phase change material or soils. This heat (cold) could be released in summer to reduce costs repairs and maintenance of buildings or infrastructure. Another application of inter-seasonal heat/cold technology is to prevent permafrost degradation and stabilize thawing ice –rich permafrost.

Salary: $446 to $994 per week (37.5 hrs). Masters level – $754 to $892 per week depending on the number of completed semesters.

APPLICATION: Applications for this permafrost project should be submitted to Igor Egorov (igor.egorov@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca). Please note this is part of the NRC student employment program. If you are applying for any other student employment opportunity with NRC please send applications to info@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca. NRC hiring managers search the database for qualified candidates throughout the year. In order to be considered for the program please include the following in your application, please note that you will need to attach the required documents as per the list below when submitting your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from searches.

  • Resume
  • Most recent transcript: 
    • University/high school (grade 12 or equivalent)
    • An electronic copy is sufficient, it does not have to be an official version
    • To attach your transcript click the “add a document” in the Second language evaluation results field
    • Additionally, in order to maximize your chances of being considered for opportunities, ensure to include your preferred location(s) in the Preferred Work Location(s) section of the application

By Tristan MacLean, ago

NSERC PermafrostNet Inaugural Annual General meeting

The NSERC PermafrostNet Inaugural Annual General meeting was held in Ottawa, ON on the 6th and 7th of November 2019. It was a highly vibrant and successful event, featuring over 50 members of the network from across Canada, both in-person and attending remotely. There were participants from as far away as Sachs Harbour, Northwest Territories; Whitehorse, Yukon; and Churchill, Manitoba; taking part in what we hope will prove to be a historic meeting of permafrost experts. The two-day event featured a day of presentations and discussions, including break-out sessions for each of the five research themes, and meetings of the Board of Directors, Scientific Committee and Knowledge Mobilization and Communications Committee. Most auspiciously, the Annual General Meeting aligned with International Inuit day.  International Inuit Day has been held annually since 2006 on November 7th, to coincide with the birth date of the late Eben Hopson, founder of the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), a major international non-government organization representing approximately 180,000 Inuit of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka (Russia).

Photos: Ariane Castagner

By Tristan MacLean, ago

PhD in remote sensing of permafrost landscape change

Full description (PDF)

Posted: July 14, 2020
Anticipated start:  January 2021
Supervisory team: Dr. Trevor Lantz and Dr. Robert Fraser

The Arctic Landscape Ecology Lab at the University of Victoria is seeking a PhD student to lead a research project: 1) mapping permafrost landscape change and 2) assessing the determinants of terrain sensitivity.

In many permafrost regions, the frequency of thaw-related disturbances is increasing so rapidly that maintaining accurate inventories presents a significant challenge. The first objective of this project is to develop semi-automated procedures to map permafrost terrain disturbances using satellite imagery (e.g., Landsat, WorldView, Sentinel). The second objective is to determine the biophysical controls of terrain sensitivity by analyzing the disturbance inventories generated through mapping. By identifying sensitive areas and increasing our capacity to monitor change, this project will significantly inform decision making in northern communities and regions affected by permafrost thaw. 

Interested applicants should have an MSc in geography, environmental science, earth science, or related field, and previous experience with remote sensing, GIS and statistics. Applicants must be self-motivated, have strong communication skills, experience managing multiple tasks, and be willing to travel to the Canadian Arctic for fieldwork. Previous experience in permafrost environments is an asset, but is not vital.

An annual stipend of $21,000 (plus benefits) is guaranteed for four years and additional support for field and conference travel is available for the duration of the project.

This research project is part of NSERC PermafrostNet, a multi-sectorial research network of twelve Canadian universities and more than 40 partner organisations. As a member of the network, the successful applicant will have opportunities to engage with government (provincial, federal, indigenous), industry, and international partners, as well as graduate students and researchers from across Canada.  

The University of Victoria and NSERC PermafrostNet are strongly committed to fostering diversity as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to further diversification including, but not limited to, women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions.

To apply, please send a cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in this project, a complete CV, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Trevor Lantz (tlantz@uvic.ca). Questions should be directed to Dr. Trevor Lantz (tlantz@uvic.ca) or Dr. Robert Fraser (robert.fraser@canada.ca).

By Tristan MacLean, ago