Permafrost thaw induced by climate change impacts people living in the North in various ways. Changes in ground surface conditions damage buildings and infrastructure and compromise the security of transportation networks. Changes induced by permafrost thaw in the landscape have started to affect traditional subsistence activities and food security by altering ecosystems and releasing contaminants. However, permafrost thaw processes and their impacts are still poorly understood. This session is at the crossroad of disciplines. Geosciences and engineering intersect with ecology as researchers explore and study the impacts of permafrost thaw on northern system. Presentations will address subjects such as periglacial processes impacting northern landscapes; ecological changes driven by permafrost evolution; infrastructure impacted by permafrost thaw; approaches for remediation and adaptation, permafrost risk assessment and mapping; and technical developments that address these issues.

Fabrice Calmels, Pascale Roy-Léveillé, Ryley Beddoe, Louis-Philippe Roy