Michelle Blade (McGill University)

Published purpose

This project will combine Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and scientific research to better understand winter groundwater movement and the formation of overflow water hazards along important overland travel routes in Nunavut. By monitoring known overflow areas using water sampling, sensors, trail cameras, and community knowledge, the research will identify the factors that contribute to these hazards and improve predictions of where new overflow areas may develop as the climate changes. The results will support safer winter travel, inform local decision-making, and help address a gap in Arctic climate models, which often overlook the influence of near-surface groundwater on northern landscapes.