In 1977, this study was carried out in a small drainage basin (33 km2) near Resolute (74°55'N, 94°50'W), Northwest Territories (1) to examine the manner in which meltwater runoff carves channels in the valley snowpack before the channels become stablised on their clastic beds, and (2) to assess the role played by valley snowpacks on fluvial processes. Major factors controlling channel development in the snowpack include the distribution and the characteristics of the snow, which in turn are related to the local topography and the prevailing directions of winter snowdrift. Based on this relationship, an attempt was made to predict the sequences of channel development in terms of several processes including ponding, tunnelling, lateral and vertical shifting, and stream capturing. Availability of water controls the rate of channel development sequences and hence the magnitude of fluvial processes over a flow season. In the case of substantial runoff, the rate of snowpack depletion is rapid. However, since the bulk of annual water discharge occurs while the snow is interposed between the running water and the bed material, little geomorphic work is performed during the early part of the flow season. For four selected sites, calculations suggest a protective effect of the snow in reducing the potential bed material transport. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Resolute Bay, a remote Arctic bay opening into Parry Channel, in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, hosts diverse populations of marine mammals and fish at various times each year. These animals migrate through the bay following patterns linked to food availability and oceanographic conditions; however, these patterns are not well understood. The focus of this study was to measure the oceanographic properties of the waters in and around Resolute Bay and to record underwater sounds to obtain marine mammal temporal patterns and ambient sound levels. Results showed the water properties in Resolute Bay differed from the waters outside of the bay. Dissolved oxygen saturation levels in Resolute Bay decreased during ice-covered times, with lowest levels between May and July. Dissolved oxygen was replenished after the ice left the bay. Sudden changes in salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were observed in Resolute Bay when outside waters entered. Mean third-octave band sound pressure levels were 85.3 dB re 1 μPa during high ice concentration, and 95.6 dB re 1 μPa during ice-free and freeze-up periods, and reached a maximum of 145.3 dB re 1 μPa when vessels were present. Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) and narwhals (Monodon monocero) were only present in periods of low ice concentration, while bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) and ringed seals (Pusa hispida) remained throughout the entire year. / Graduate / 2018-07-01