HR: 1330h
AN: H12B-0988 [PDF]
TI: Physical and Chemical Implications of Mid-Winter Pumping of Tundra Lakes
AU: * Miller, D D
EM: ftdpm@uaf.edu
AF: Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 306 Tanana Dr
Duckering Bldg
Rm 469, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5680 United States
AU: Hinzman, L D
EM: ffldh@uaf.edu
AF: Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 306 Tanana Dr
Duckering Bldg
Rm 469, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5680 United States
AU: Kane, D L
EM: ffdlk@uaf.edu
AF: Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 306 Tanana Dr
Duckering Bldg
Rm 469, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5680 United States
AU: Lilly, M R
EM: mlilly@gwscientific.com
AF: GW Scientific, PO Box 81538, Fairbanks, AK 99708 United States
AU: Mendez, J
EM: Johnny_Mendez@dec.state.ak.us
AF: State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, 610 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99709 United States
AB:
Northern Alaskan oil exploration has relied on limited freshwater resources to create ice road and ice pad infrastructure
since the 1970s. The result is an ice infrastructure (ice roads, airport runways, and drilling pads) that increases access
to remote areas while decreasing maintenance costs and environmental impacts related to gravel roads and pads. However, some
questions have been raised regarding the environmental pumping effects on these freshwater lakes. Potential issues include
altering the existing water balance, impact to aquatic life including fish and invertebrates, and influencing water
chemistry. As some lakes are pumped year after year, cumulative effects may also occur. Additionally, pumping may influence
over-wintering fish habitat in nearby rivers if there is a hydraulic connection. The intent of this research is to
understand and model the physical and chemical effects of water withdrawal on the lakes of the North Slope of Alaska. First
year results indicate full recharge of index lakes during spring melt and minimal chemical differences detected between
pumped and non-pumped lakes.
DE: 1845 Limnology
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting