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A research chair to better understand permafrost in Nunavik

Published on 24 May 2021

Nunavik has been hard hit by thawing permafrost, which has caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, made travel in the region riskier, and limited the hunting, fishing, and gathering activities of its inhabitants.

To address this issue, Pascale Roy-Léveillée, a professor in the Faculty of Forestry, Geography, and Geomatics, is heading the Partnership Research Chair on Permafrost in Nunavik. This chair, supported by Sentinel North and Québec’s Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, will work closely with northern communities to support and accelerate climate change adaptation in permafrost regions.

 

fonte du pergélisol au nunavik sentinelle nord

Thawing permafrost in Nunavik is damaging infrastructure, making travel riskier, and limiting hunting, fishing, and gathering activities (photo: Antoine Boisson)

 

The initiative aims to further knowledge on the subject and strengthen Université Laval’s cutting-edge expertise on Nunavik permafrost, which is unique in Canada and throughout the world.

 

chaire pergélisol nunavik sentinelle nord pascale roy-léveillée

Pascale Roy-Léveillée leads the Partnership Research Chair on Permafrost in Nunavik (photo: Douggie Charlie)

 

In total, 11 research chairs are funded under Sentinel North.

 

All Sentinel North Chairs