Comparison of Observed and Calculated Ground Temperatures with Permafrost Distribution under a Northern Lake

Abstract

Making use of limited ground temperature measurements in the neighbourhood of a small shallow lake near Inuvik, N.W.T., it was possible with the help of an electronic computer to estimate the entire thermal regime under and about the lake. The results indicated a completely unfrozen zone of roughly hour-glass shape directly under the lake. Field borings under the lake and adjacent to it supported this theoretical finding.