Permafrost Depths, Lower Mackenzie Valley, Northwest Territories

Abstract

Reports 1965-66 ground temperature records for seven new sites established in the lower Mackenzie valley, indicating permafrost thickness of about 350 ft for Arctic Red River, 400 ft in site 14 mi west of Fort McPherson, 350 ft or more in the south central Mackenzie Delta, and 60-100 ft at four sites in the outer Delta which are within two feet of sea level. In the distal part of the Delta, where new islands are growing, perma- frost is aggrading downwards in the saturated alluvial soils.