Title: Paleoecology Data in Southwest Yukon
Citation: Fortier, D., Lapointe-Elmrabit, L., de Vernal, A., & Talbot, J. (2014). Paleoecology Data in Southwest Yukon. NWT Discovery Portal. https://nwtdiscoveryportal.enr.gov.nt.ca/geoportal/catalog/search/resource/details.page?uuid=%7B5DB404A1-093C-4C5F-AF18-05328A6859BD%7D
Study Site: Beaver Creek area yedoma, Yukon
Purpose: The Beaver Creek area yedoma in Yukon is unique as it is the only yedoma deposit known in that part of Beringia. This sequence offers a unique opportunity to study the vegetation composition and dynamics of the now extinct tundra-steppe biome of Beringia, which is known to have acted as a refugium for boreal trees and shrubs during the Pleistocene. Many questions remain about the environmental history of Beringia, especially the extent and dynamics of the easternmost limit of the region. The Beaver Creek sequence will also allow the regional reconstruction of the climate over the last ice age and early Holocene, and to explore the conditions that favored carbon accumulation in yedoma sediments.
Abstract: Field work was completed in July 2013 and included drillings (+10m) and in situ characterisation (geomorphology and phytogeography). Pleistocene-Holocene transition interval will be determined by radiocarbon dating (alternative techniques for older sediments) and will increase the chronostratigraphic resolution of the research. We will identify the vegetation assemblages and dynamics associated to the relic tundra-steppe biome using pollen analysis. Palynological record will be used to reconstruct the climate (temperature, precipitation) prevailing during the late Pleistocene-early Holocene using transfer functions adapted to this particular environment without modern analogue. The different peat layers that are found throughout the profile will also allow testate amoebae analyses that will be useful to reconstruct past hydrological conditions. The carbon content of the sediments will be determined by dry combustion on an elemental analyzer and the carbon accumulation rates will be established based on the chronostratigraphy of the sequence.
Supplemental Information Summary:
Research:
Further Info:
Status: Complete
Keywords:
soil carbon,
Paleoecology,
Geographical coordinates: North: 62.34, South: 62.33 East: -140.83 West: -140.84
Bounding Temporal Extent: Start Date: 2013-07-01, End
Date: 2013-07-31
