Title: Microtopographic and Hydrological Response to Repeated Seismic Line Disturbance in a Boreal Fen of Northern Alberta, Canada
Citation: Chan, X. Y., Dabros, A., & McDermid, G. (2026). Dataset supporting "Microtopographic and Hydrological Response to Repeated Seismic Line Disturbance in a Boreal Fen of Northern Alberta, Canada" [Dataset]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18778508
Study Site: approximately 150 km south of Fort McMurray, Alberta
Purpose: Seismic lines are among the most widespread anthropogenic disturbances in Alberta’s boreal peatlands, where repeated petroleum-exploration surveys can alter surface morphology, hydrology, and recovery potential. Although low-impact seismic (LIS) techniques are designed to minimize ground disturbance, the long-term consequences of re-using existing lines remain poorly understood. This study used remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS)-based LiDAR and optical imagery to examine how peatland microtopography and hydrology evolve following repeated seismic surveys.
Abstract: These data were derived from drone-based remote sensing surveys and subsequent geospatial analysis of seismic line disturbances in a boreal fen ecosystem in northern Alberta, Canada. The dataset includes environmental raster layers and vector segment units used to quantify microtopographic and hydrological characteristics and evaluate differences between seismic line disturbance classes (new disturbance, old disturbance, re-disturance)
Supplemental Information Summary:
Research:
Further Info: Chan, X.Y.; Dabros, A.; McDermid, G.J. Microtopographic and Hydrological Response to Repeated Seismic Line Disturbance in a Boreal Fen of Northern Alberta, Canada. Forests 2026, 17, 489. https://doi.org/10.3390/f17040489
Status: Complete
Keywords:
hydrology,
remote sensing,
effects of disturbance,
seismic lines,
microtopography,
Geographical coordinates: North: 55.00, South: 55.00 East: -110.85 West: -110.85
Bounding Temporal Extent: Start Date: , End
Date:
