Perched Ponds: An Arctic Variety

• Published in: ARCTIC
• Main Authors: Walker, H.J., Harris, M.K.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The Arctic Institute of North America 1976
• Subjects: Evaporation; Permafrost beneath lakes; Frozen ground; Active layer; Colville Delta; Alaska; Arctic; permafrost
• Online Access: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/arctic/article/view/65859

Data obtained during several seasons of field research on a small drainage basin in the Colville River delta of northern Alaska were used in a study of permafrost as an aquaclude for the maintenance of a pond above the regional water table. The development of the active layer of permafrost in the basin and the water budget of the pond were monitored. It was shown that the permafrost table enables the general form of the basin's subaerial surface to be maintained throughout the thaw season. The resulting prevention of percolation, when combined with a low evaporation rate, is sufficient to ensure that the pond is perennial.