IPSCARP13 (2014)

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We're Investigating Erosional and Ecological Processes in Deflation Patches across the Local Landscape, Covering an Area of 22% in June/July 2014. These patches are being studied to understand how erosion affects the local ecosystem. Strong winds blowing off the Greenland Ice Sheet pick up fine-grained soil particles, leaving behind a layer of glacial till. The edges of these patches advance as soil and vegetation are worn away from below. Within these areas, a protective layer of biological soil develops, which slows down future erosion and helps the soil recover. Our Research Team Ruth Heindel leads our research in Earth Sciences at Dartmouth College. Ross Virginia is a professor in Arctic Studies and Environmental Studies at Dartmouth College. Jonathan Chipman teaches Geography and Earth Sciences at Dartmouth College. Becca Novello is also part of this project. Phoebe Racine is another team member. Sources for Our Research You can find more information on our research at sites.dartmouth.edu/rheindel. Heindel, R., Chipman, J., Virginia, R. (2015). The Spatial Distribution and Ecological Impacts of Aeolian Soil Erosion in Kangerlussuaq, West Greenland. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 105(4), 875-890.