Landscape ​Disturbances on​ Sediment and​ Contaminant Fluxes - Overview

Theme 2 studies the impact of natural and human-induced disturbances on aquatic ecosystems, focusing on the movement of water, sediment, and chemicals. Fine sediment risks human health and aquatic life, leading to issues like increased turbidity in drinking water and habitat degradation. Previous phases identified the influence of landscape disturbances like forest harvesting and wildfires on sediment dynamics, highlighting their role in transporting harmful chemicals to the environment. Phase 3 addresses critical questions concerning the effects of atmospheric rivers and severe wildfires on sediment and associated contaminants in the Nechako River Basin (NRB). The current research phase monitors specific watersheds to understand how landscapes respond to these disturbances and explores the impact of different wildfire characteristics, such as severity and duration, on erosion and sediment transport, which is crucial for adapting to post-fire environmental changes.


2023 wildfire sampling