SNOW COVER REGIME AND PERMAFROST DYNAMICS - THE EXAMPLE OF MANITOUNUKSTRAIT, NORTHERN QUEBEC

Snow cover regime and permafrost dynamics: The example of the Manitoun uk Strait, Northern Quebec. The snow cover regime over a permafrost pl ateau located along the shore of the Manitounuk Strait was monitored i n detail for several winters. The pattern of snow accumulation and dis tribution depends essentially upon wind direction and speed, in conjun ction with surface conditions, particularly topography and vegetation cover. A snow accumulation potential model was built, based on slope, aspect and shape, and on structure of the vegetation cover. Results of this model illustrate the strong link between winds and vegetation co ver and their combined impact on snowdrifting. Using wind speed and di rection data as well as a detailed mapping of vegetation cover, it is useful to apply such an accumulation model in subarctic regions where permafrost is highly sensitive to any modification of the surface cond itions.