Network research focuses on the big questions: Where and when is permafrost thaw occurring in Canada and what are the hazards arising from such change?
The goal of NSERC PermafrostNet was to boost Canada’s ability to adapt by informing forward-looking decision making in an Arctic that is undergoing accelerating change. Network research allowed us to generate better information for all of Canada by creating new predictive capabilities with data that was already available as well as data generated by new field projects. These are necessary to fill important gaps in understanding, to develop novel methods and to increase the robustness of methods and practices through joint application with partners. The network investigated issues of importance to northern partners with practical solutions in mind and with a perspective of understanding future infrastructure needs in a changing permafrost environment.
The research was organized in five interwoven themes requiring a critical mass and diversity of expertise that no single research group or government agency had.
- Characterisation of permafrost. This theme improved the understanding of ground-ice loss and its consequences though better characterisation of permafrost in the field and in laboratories so that prediction can better represent processes during thaw and have relevant subsurface input such as ground-ice content.
- Monitoring of permafrost change. This theme revealed and quantified permafrost change in Canada and contributed to understanding its varying rates and expressions at the land surface.
- Prediction of permafrost change. This theme improved the accuracy and delivery of transient permafrost simulation based on climate data, remote sensing and novel subsurface data so that the model results can support stakeholder needs at local and national scales.
- Hazards and impacts associated with permafrost thaw. This theme elucidated the relevance and the controls of permafrost hazards and thaw-induced impacts. Furthermore, it improved their prediction to support adaptation decisions based on avoiding exposure and reducing vulnerability.
- Adaptation to permafrost thaw. This theme assisted northern communities, governments and industry to plan for and manage the changing permafrost environment by providing specific strategies to minimise permafrost thaw and to reduce exposure and vulnerability of infrastructure.
Peer-reviewed research findings are listed on our Publications page.