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)
[en] 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.
Disciplines :
Geological, petroleum & mining engineering
Author, co-author :
Jamin, Pierre ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département ArGEnCo > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Cochand, Marion; Univeristé Laval > Department of Geology and Geological Engineering
Dagenais, Sophie; Université Laval > Department of Geology and Geological Engineering
Lemieux, Jean-Michel; Université Laval > Department of Geology and Geological Engineering
Fortier, Richard; Université Laval > Department of Geology and Geological Engineering
Molson, John; Université Laval > Department of Geology and Geological Engineering
Brouyère, Serge ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département ArGEnCo > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Language :
English
Title :
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)
Alternative titles :
[fr] Mesure directe du flux d’eau souterraine dans un aquifère en zone de permafrost discontinu: une application de la méthode finite volume point dilution method a proximité d’Umiujaq (Nunavik, Canada)
Publication date :
29 January 2020
Journal title :
Hydrogeology Journal
ISSN :
1431-2174
Publisher :
Springer, Germany
Special issue title :
Topical Collection "Hydrogeology of a cold-region watershed near Umiujaq (Nunavik, Canada)"
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Name of the research project :
NSERC through the Strategic Project Grant program;
Funders :
ULiège - Université de Liège [BE] F.R.S.-FNRS - Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique [BE] FRB - Fondation Roi Baudouin [BE] CRSNG - Conseil de Recherches en Sciences naturelles et en Génie [CA] CEN - Université Laval Québec Centre d'Études Nordiques [CA]
Funding number :
Université de Liège FSRC-12/81; Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (Communauté française de Belgique) - F.R.S.-FNRS 1.5060.12; Fondation Roi Baudouin, Prix Ernest Dubois 2015-F2812650-204355
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