Drilling sump photos

Sump and Slump High-Resolution Images from Mackenzie Delta Region

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Core collection and sedimentary remains of indicator species

Collecting a sediment core. The removal of a 7.6 cm (3") diameter sediment core from a lake in the Mackenzie Delta is carried out from a small raft, with the area accessed by helicopter. Image courtesy of Joshua Thienpont (Brock University).

Alona sedimentary remains. Most body parts of the shallow water cladoceran species Alona are well preserved in lake sediments. Image courtesy of Jennifer Korosi (University of Ottawa).

Examples of drilling mud sumps. Note: These are sumps and not the thaw slumps depicted further down. Check difference between sump and slump. Sumps marked by ↓ .

Drilling mud sump with significant ponding. This large drilling sump exhibits ponding both on the surface and perimeter. Image courtesy of Joshua Thienpont (Brock University).
Drilling sump in close proximity to a lake. The drilling sump is located upslope of the small lake, and any materials leaching from the sump could potentially enter the lake. Image courtesy of Joshua Thienpont (Brock University).
Large drilling sump near Mackenzie Delta lake. This large sump is perched above and close to the edge of a small lake. The gravel road created during drilling is still visible. Image courtesy of Joshua Thienpont (Brock University).

Drilling mud sump near a small lake. Image courtesy of Steve Kokelj (Government of the Northwest Territories).
Drilling mud sump in the Mackenzie Delta uplands showing surface ponding. Image courtesy of Steve Kokelj (Government of the Northwest Territories).
Drilling mud sump. The large, raised cap of the drilling sump is noticeable because of its altered vegetation and ponding around the perimeter. Image courtesy of Joshua Thienpont (Brock University).

Drilling mud sump exhibiting significant surface and perimeter ponding. Image courtesy of Michael Pisaric (Brock University).

Drilling mud sump exhibiting significant surface and perimeter ponding. Image courtesy of Michael Pisaric (Brock University).

Drilling mud sump with an un-vegetated gravel cap. Image courtesy of Michael Pisaric (Brock University).

Drilling mud sump with a small lake in the background. Image courtesy of Michael Pisaric (Brock University).

Drilling mud sump with an un-vegetated gravel cap. Image courtesy of Michael Pisaric (Brock University).

Drilling mud sump with an un-vegetated gravel cap. Image courtesy of Michael Pisaric (Brock University).

Examples of thaw slumps. These are not collapsing sumps, but examples of how rapidly and extensively permafrost is thawing in this region.

Lake with a large retrogressive thaw slump. Our study compared the water chemistry of lakes with drilling sumps to these highly-disturbed lakes. Image courtesy of Joshua Thienpont (Brock University). Thaw slump headwall. The ice-rich headwall of an active retrogressive thaw slump in the Mackenzie Delta uplands region. Image courtesy of Steve Kokelj (Government of the Northwest Territories). Lake with a large, active retrogressive thaw slump. Image courtesy of Steve Kokelj (Government of the Northwest Territories).

Large, active retrogressive thaw slump. This spectacular form of permafrost degradation is common in the Mackenzie Delta uplands region. Image courtesy of Joshua Thienpont (Brock University).