Seasonal and Spatial Controls on Geochemistry of the Niaqunguk River

The Seasonal and Spatial Controls on Stream and Groundwater Geochemistry of the Niaqunguk River, Nunavut, Canada 

Climate-induced permafrost degradation is impacting carbon exports to Arctic catchments, with implications for northern communities and aquatic ecosystems. The spatial variability of landscape characteristics (e.g., surficial geology, topography) may produce heterogeneous hydrochemical signatures across the watershed with further permafrost degradation. Further active layer deepening could alter the hillslope-channel connection and therefore carbon mobility and composition. This research examines the influence of spatial and temporal controls on surface and subsurface hydrochemistry in the Niaqunguk River watershed throughout the thaw season.

This research is being conducted by MSc. Student Lee Nguyen under the supervision of Dr. Melissa Lafreniere. The project is funded by a Polar Knowledge Canada grant that is co-led by Dr. Murray Richardson at Carleton University. The work is carried out in close collaboration with the Nunavut Research Institute and Nunavut Arctic College.  We are currently recruiting graduate students for this project for the summer of 2023. Contact Dr. Melissa Lafreniere for more information on graduate research opportunities.