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This study is an examination of the rate at which organic debris and clastic sediment accumulate in a gully after it is scoured by a debris torrent. Of particular interest is the effect that a change in land use from old-growth to clear-cut conditions may have on these rates. This change should result in a reduction in the delivery of large organic debris (LOD), which is a major factor in sediment storage in gullies. It is hypothesized that this change in land use, and the subsequent reduction in the LOD supply, should result in a significant difference in debris recharge rates between old-growth and clear-cut gullies. Twenty-nine gullies in both land-treatment groups were sampled on the west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Sampling procedures involved the estimation of the volume of LOD and sediment in storage (normalized by the gully surface area) and the determination of the time elapsed since the last debris torrent. These data were then used to estimate recharge rates(3h1)am’year of LOD, sediment, and total debris. Recharge rates of each material were compared between land-treatment groups using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. This test revealed that LOD has been delivered to old-growth gullies at a significantly higher rate relative to clear-cut gullies. There was no significant difference in sediment and total debris recharge rates between gullies in the two groups, but this outcome was partially a result of the small samples and the different debris recharge times in each data set. Graphical representations of the data permitted the identification of possible temporal trends in sediment and debris accumulation, which may be strengthened with larger data sets. Debris recharge rates have several applications. The estimate of sediment volume stored in a gully can be used in the construction of local sediment budgets, as one component of a watershed sediment cascade is quantified. The calculation of debris recharge rates will provide insight into the transfer rate of sediment from hillslopes to low order channels and to the storage capacity of the channels. Finally, debris recharge rates can be used to improve knowledge of the frequency-magnitude characteristics of debris torrents in an area. / Arts, Faculty of / Geography, Department of / Graduate

Human activities pressure the socio-ecological system that maintains our quality of life by causing global repercussions such as climate change. The energy system, a major contributor to climate change due to its reliance on fossil fuels makes the transition to sustainable energy an imperative. The purpose of this thesis is to identify focus areas that support businesses in changing their energy habits. This leads to the research question: How can local businesses on small islands become drivers in the transition towards sustainable energy? The Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) enabled us to employ a systems perspective, place sustainable energy into a comprehensive and scientific definition of sustainability, and align our findings’ relevance to a strategic approach. The Motivation-capability-implementation- results (MCIR) framework was a suitable tool for our needs. For data collection purposes, literature analysis and a case study on the French island Île d’Oléron were conducted. The main findings of the thesis are that in order for businesses to become drivers in the transition to sustainability energy, Awareness, Consistent and Proactive Political System, Engaged Community, Supporting Infrastructure, Financial Capability and Agile Approach need to be addressed. The six focus areas cover the many barriers and enablers for achieving sustainable energy.