IBP High Arctic Ecosystem Study, Devon Island

Abstract

The research in 1971 continued to emphasize the physical environment and the biological response of organisms on meadows (c. 49 per cent of the lowland) and raised beach ridges (c. 15 percent of the lowland) in the Truelove Lowland. The lakes (22 percent) were not included in the studies and all data are expressed on the basis of a 3,300 ha land area. As in 1970, the research was concentrated on a typical mesic meadow (soils, meteorology, primary production, nitrogen fixation, invertebrates, decomposition) with additional data gathered in 2 to 5 other meadows (extensive sites), depending upon the research unit. The intensive beach ridge site, approximately 7,500 years old, was studied with the same components of research as the master meadow site. In addition, 2 to 11 other beach ridges (extensive sites), and a site on the plateau (c. 300 m. above sea level) were studied in varying detail (soils, meteorology, primary production, and invertebrates). In all, 22 separate research projects were conducted in 1971. Two flights for aerial photography of the Truelove Lowland were made. The Atmospheric Environmental Service of the Department of Transport photographed black and white and an infrared scan in late July, and the Inland Waters Branch photographed black and white imagery at 3,330 and 830 m and infrared false colour at 1,660 m in mid-August. ...