Direct measurement of groundwater flux in aquifers within the discontinuous permafrost zone: an application of the finite volume point dilution method near Umiujaq (Nunavik, Canada)

peer reviewed Permafrost thaw is a complex process resulting from interactions between the atmosphere, soil, water and vegetation. Although advective heat transport by groundwater at depth likely plays a significant role in permafrost dynamics at many sites, there is lack of direct measurements of g...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrogeology Journal
Main Authors: Jamin, Pierre, Cochand, Marion, Dagenais, Sophie, Lemieux, Jean-Michel, Fortier, Richard, Molson, John, Brouyère, Serge
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Springer 2020
Subjects:
Finite Volume Point Dilution Method
Tracer test
Groundwater flow
Permafrost
Canada
Engineering
computing & technology
Geological
petroleum & mining engineering
Ingénierie
informatique & technologie
Géologie
ingénierie du pétrole & des mines
permafrost
Umiujaq
Nunavik
Online Access:https://orbi.uliege.be/handle/2268/233590
https://orbi.uliege.be/bitstream/2268/233590/1/Jamin_P-Direct%20measurement%20of%20groundwater%20flux%20in%20aquifers%20within%20the%20discontinuous%20permafrost%20zone.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-020-02108-y
Description
Summary:peer reviewed Permafrost thaw is a complex process resulting from interactions between the atmosphere, soil, water and vegetation. Although advective heat transport by groundwater at depth likely plays a significant role in permafrost dynamics at many sites, there is lack of direct measurements of groundwater flow patterns and fluxes in such cold-region environments. Here, the finite volume point dilution method (FVPDM) is used to measure in-situ groundwater fluxes in two sandy aquifers in the discontinuous permafrost zone, within a small watershed near Umiujaq, Nunavik (Quebec), Canada. The FVPDM theory is first reviewed, then results from four FVPDM tests are presented: one test in a shallow supra-permafrost aquifer, and three in a deeper sub-permafrost aquifer. Apparent Darcy fluxes derived from the FVPDM tests varied from 0.5×10-5 to 1.0×10-5 m/s, implying that advective heat transport from groundwater flow could be contributing to rapid permafrost thaw at this site. In providing estimates of the Darcy fluxes at the local scale of the well screens, the approach offers more accurate and direct measurements over indirect estimates using Darcy’s law. The tests show that this method can be successfully used in remote areas and with limited resources. Recommendations for optimizing the test protocol are proposed. NSERC through the Strategic Project Grant program;

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