Plant Succession on Tundra Mudflows: Preliminary Observations

Abstract

Tundra mudflows are one of the characteristic features of arctic slopes with unstable soils. They generally occur during the early part of the thaw period, but may occur after a heavy rainfall. Only two relatively short-lived vegetation elements were evident and both are characteristic of disturbed sites. Islands of vegetation and soil of the type that dominate the slope before the mudflow are left scattered within the flow lines. Once a turf of grasses, sedges and herbs has formed the island, vegetation is able to colonize the turf mat. Areas where previous mudflows have occurred are clearly recognizable both by a long depression parallel to the direction of the slope and terminal fan of debris. Detailed studies on such naturally occurring phenomena would be of great value in view of increased use of heavy vehicular equipment by the oil and mining companies in the Canadian North.