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Arctic Gas
BIOLOGICAL REPORT SERIES
VOLUME TWENTY-ONE
VEGETATION AND SOILS OF
NORTH EASTERN ALASKA
L. R. HETTINGER
A. J. JANZ
Prepared by
NORTHERN ENGINEERING SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED
OCTOBER, 1974
Arctic Gas
BIOLOGICAL REPORT SERIES
VOLUME TWENTY-ONE
VEGETATION AND SOILS OF
NORTH EASTERN ALASKA
L. R. HETTINGER
A. J. JANZ
Prepared by
NORTHERN ENGINEERING SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED
ARLIS
Alaska Resources
Library & Information Services
An.chorage,Alaska.
OCTOBER, 1974
G tt
3\8.5
,A7
65
v.::l-1
ALASKAN ARCTIC GAS STUDY COMPANY
ABSTRACT
A survey of plant comrm.mities and soils was initiated in Northeastern
Alaska in order to provide baseline information for describing community
nomenclature and relationships, to ascertain relationships between vegetation,
soils and landform features, to outline areas where instability may
be a problem in land use and to make recommendations toward revegetation
and reclamation procedures.
Quantitative sampling techniques were used to collect data from stands
which were selected via air photography interpretation and air and ground
reconnaissance. Forty-one associations were described using combinations
of dominant species and groupings designated by hierarchial cluster analysis.
These associations were placed into traditional physiognomic formation
categories which were related to soil classification and terrain features.
Wet sedge meadows, herb-sedge, heath shrub and lichen meadows were common
vegetation types in all of the physiographic provinces. A trend for
decreased physiognomic stature is present from south to north through
the study area. Forest and open forest vegetation is gradually replaced
by a predominance of shrub comrm.mi ties. Low shrub, low shrub and sedge
mixtures and sedge comrm.mities are the most common in the Arctic Coastal
Plain. Most of the soils were classified according to a newly developed
system for northern areas. Frequent use of Turbic Great Groups and Gleysolic
Subgroups in the Cryosolic Soil Order indicates the instability, poor
drainage and thin active layers of most soils.
iii
A number of successional trends are indicated for physiographic regions
of the area and are related to changes in species composition, diversity,
growth factors and soil conditions. The wide range in latitude of the
study area increased the number of seres which were identified for any
one terrain type. White spruce forests on riparian and upland sites
indicate a relatively stable condition, but evidence suggests that a
trend toward low shrub communities occurs in a number of habitats. Low
shrub vegetation becomes more important with increase in latitude as
a stable entity of seres. However, frequent disruption of the soil by
frost action complicates successional interpretations. The abundance
of natural instability of the land surface is used as an indicator of
problems associated with land use. Silty textures, poor drainage, thin
active layers and topography combine to produce unstable conditions.
iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors wish to thank David Boyce and Kim Sikoryak for help in collect-
ing data under sometimes unusual conditions and for some of the photographs.
Mr. Sikoryak was especially helpful in collecting cryptogam data and
specimens. Appreciation is expressed to Don Dabbs for supporting a basic
synecological approach to the survey, to Dr. R.W. Wein for initial guidance
and meaningful discussions on the ecology of northern plant communities
and to Walt Younkin for critically reviewing portions of the manuscript.
Thanks are also expressed to A.E. Helmers, Institute of Northern Forestry,
Forest Service, U.S.D.A. Fairbanks, Alaska for forwarding information
on northeastern Alaska fire history, and to Jolm Klingle, Roland Quimby
and Dave Roseneau, Renewable Resources Consulting Services, Fairbanks,
for help in coordinating field logistics and support. Dr. George Argus,
National Museum, Ottawa, verified and identified large quantities of
vascular plant specimens; Dr. Dale Vitt and Mike Ostifichuk, Dept. of
Botany, University of Alberta, Edmonton verified and identified the moss
and lichen specimens. The species diversity computer program was obtained
through Dr. George W. Douglas. For these services, we are extremely
grateful.
The C.A.G.S.L. Biological Report Series of which this volume is a part,
is a series of consultant project reports presenting data based on field
and laboratory studies. The data for this work were obtained as a result
of investigations carried out by Northern Engineering Services Company
Limited for Alaska Arctic Gas Study Company. The text of this report
may be quoted providing the usual credits are given.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Review of Literature
3.0 Study Area
3.1 Location
3.2 Land Use
3.3 Physiographic Regions
3.4 Climate
4.0 Methods
4.1 Field Methods
4.2 Laboratory Methods
5.0 Results
5.1 Vegetation
5.1.1 General Types
5.1.2 General Floral Characteristics
5.1.3 Cluster Analysis
5.2 Major Soils
5.3 Vegetation and Terrain Types of the
Physiographic Provinces
5.3.1 Porcupine Physiographic Province
1
3
8
8
8
10
13
15
16
20
25
25
25
26
32
43
45
45
v
vi
5.3.2 Southern Foothills Physiographic Province
Page
53
5.3.3 Brooks Range Physiographic Province 59
5.3.4 Arctic Foothills Physiographic Province 73
5.3.5 Arctic Coastal Plain Physiographic Province 78
5.3.6 Summarization
5.4 Soils of the Physiographic Region
5.4.1 Porcupine Plateau
5.4.2 Southern Foothills
5.4.3 Brooks Range
5.4.4 Arctic Foothills
5.4.5 Arctic Coastal Plain
5.5 Successional Trends
5.5.1 Porcupine Plateau
5.5.2 Southern Foothills
5.5.3 Brooks Range
5.5.4 Arctic Foothills and Coastal Plain
5 . 5 . 5 Surmnary
5.6 Biotic and Abiotic Relationships
5.7 Land Use and Disturbance Implications
88
91
91
94
95
99
100
103
105
109
111
118
121
124
129
6.0 Discussion 134
136
149
6.1 Vegetation
6.2 Soils
6.3 Successional Trends 152
6.4 Application of Biotic And Abiotic Relationships
7.0 Summary and Conclusions
8.0 Literature Cited
9.0 Appendices
Page
159
161
165
174
vii
viii
TABLE
1
2
3
4
5
6
LIST OF TABLES
PAGE
Cover scale for estimating percent ground 19
cover in the field and midpoints for
obtaining average cover for each species.
Distribution of the major vegetation types 89
in the northeastern Alaska physiographic
provinces
Practical stand age (PSA) and mean and 104
maximum ages by species of the stands with
trees and shrubs > lm.
Pioneer species on riparian and upland sites 123
in the physiographic provinces.
Simple correlation between the physical and 125
biotic factors measured at each stand. Signi-
ficance is indicated for probability ).05 as
either + or -. Number of observations ranged
from 17 to 99.
Integration of Landscape and terrain features Follows page 129
with soil and vegetation type according to
pysiographic province. Active layer depths
are used to help centre information towards
impact assessment.
FIGURE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
LIST OF FIGURES
Study area locations in relation to
the physiographic provinces and
proposed pipeline routing in north-
eastern Alaska.
Stand sampling design using restricted
randomization for tree and tall shrub
tallies on 20 1 m2 quadrats for obtaining
grormd cover %.
Minimum variance cluster analysis using
prominence values as the input data.
Groups are named by constant and promi-
nent species. The dissimilarity scale
was used as a measure of between cluster
distance.
Stylized landscape profile with terrain,
vegetation and soil types in the Western
Porcupine Plateau Physiographic Province.
Stylized landscape profile with terrain,
vegetation and soil types in the Southern
Foothills Physiographic Province.
Stylized landscape profile with terrain,
vegetation and soil types in the Brooks
Range Physiographic Province.
Stylized landscape profile with terrain,
vegetation and soil types in the Arctic
Foothills Physiographic Province.
Stylized landscape profile with terrain,
vegetation and soil types in the Arctic
Coastal Plain Physiographic Province.
ix
PAGE
9
17
. Follows page 32
Follows page 46
Follows page 53
Fo~lows page 60
Follows page 73
Follows page 79
~-----~-. --------------------~-·-----~---~----~
X
FIGURE
9
10
11
12
13
PAGE
Successional trends as measured by strata Follows page 105
ground cover percentage on riparian (A)
and upland (B) communities; Porcupine
Plateau Physiographic Province.
Successional trends as measured by strata 110
ground cover percentage on riparian
communities; Southern Foothills Physiographic
Province.
Successional trends as measured by strata 112
ground cover percentage on riparian commu-
nities; southern Brooks Range Physiographic
Province.
Successional trends as measured by strata 115
ground cover percentage on riparian commu-
nities; northern Brooks Range Physiographic
Province.
Successional trends as measured by strata 119
ground cover percentage on riparian commu-
nities; Arctic Foothills and Coastal Plain
Physiographic Province.
.PLATE
1A
lB
lC
lD
IE
IF
LIST OF PLATES
FOLLOWS PAGE
Floodplain terrain and vegetation of 45
the Porcupine Plateau (Sheenjek River)
with scattered peaks in the background.
Wet sedge meadow (Carex) association with 45
Labrador tea (Ledum palustre ssp. alpinum),
d~~rf birch (Betula nana ssp exilis),
lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea ssp.
minus) and moss (Tomenthypnum nitens) on
poorly drained backswarnp of the fossil
floodplain
Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera)/Arctic 45
bearberry (Arctosta:phy los rubra) -winter-
green (Pyrola rotundifolia ssp. grandiflora)
association on a young river terrace along
Momunent Creek.
White spruce (Picea glauca)/feathermoss (Hy-45
locomium splendens) association on an older
and higher river terrace.
Paper birch (Betula pa:pyrifera)/feathermoss 45
(Hylocomium splendens) association with
mountain alder (Alnus crisp ssp. crispa) and
bluejoint (Calamagrostis purpurascens and
C. canadensis) on montane and submontane valley
colluvium near the Koness River. This vegetation
is an indicator of past disturbances (fire and/
or slope failures).
Willow (Salix glauca var. acutifolia)/Labrador 45
tea (Ledum groenlandicum) -lingonberry
(Vaccinium vitis-idaea) association on upland
strongly rolling hills.
xi
-------------
xii
PLATE
2A
ZB
zc
ZD
ZE
ZF
FOLLOWS PAGE
Mountain avens (Dryas integrifoZia ssp.
integrifolia) moss (Tomenthypnum)
association with open white spruce
(Picea glauca) on wet, hununocky outwash
plain terrain.
Sedge (Carex membranacea) -Arctic bearberry
(Arctostaphylos rubra)/ moss (Tomenthypnum
nitens) association on deformed outwash plain.
Note the abundance of shrubs on frost-heaved
hurrunocks.
Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea ssp.
minus)-alpine blueberry (Vaccinium uligi-
nosum ssp. alpinum) association with open
white spruce (Picea glauca) on montane and
submontane valley colluvium and bedrock on
a south exposed slope.
Dwarf birch (Betula nana ssp. exilis)/
feathermoss (Hylocomium splendens) association
on montane and submontane valley colluvium
above Grayling Lake.·
Low willow (Salix glauca var. acutifolia) -
mountain avens (Dryas octopetala ssp. octope-
tala) association on ridges, solifluction
slopes and plateaus with western or southern
exposures above 760 m (2500 ft.).
Mbuntain avens (Dryas octopetala ssp. octope-
tala) -Minuartia (Minuartia rossii) and
mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia)-sedge
(Carex misandra)/moss (Rhytidium rugosum)
form two associations on bedrock terrain.
45
45
45
45
45
45
PLA1E
3A
3B
3C
3D
3E
3F
3G
Dwarf birch (BetuZa nana ssp. exiZis)-
alpine blueberry (Vaaainium uliginosum
ssp. alpinum) association with open
white spruce (Piaea glauaa) on old
moraine and submontane valley colluvium.
Dwarf birch (Betula nana ssp. exilis) -
alpine blueberry (Vaaainium uliginosum
ssp. alpinum) association with willow
(Salix glauaa var. glauaa) at higher
elevations on submontane colluvium of
rounded gentle slopes of the interior
valley plateau.
Closed low willow (Salix planifolia
ssp. pulahra)-sweet coltsfoot (Peta-
sites frigidus) association on inter-
mountain valleys with cross drainage
from surrmmding slopes .
Netted willow (Salix retiaulata ssp.
retiaulata)/feathermoss (Hyloaominum
splend~ns) association on the montane
valley colluvium between the islands of
bedrock outcroppings on gentle rolling
hills. Sedge (Carex bigelowii) is
responsible for the meadow physiognomy.
Netted willow (Salix retiaulata ssp.
retiaulata)/feathermoss (Hyloaomium
splendens) association with sedge
(Carex bigelowii) and willow (Salix
glauaa var. aautifolia) on poorly drained
hummocky slopes on subalpine colluvium.
Low willow (Salix planifoZia ssp.
pulahra)-sedge (Carex bigelowii) feather-
moss (Hyloaomium splendens) association
with cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum)
on a level poorly drained solifluction
plateau.
Open mountain avens (Dryas oatopetala ssp.
oatopetala) -Minuartia (Minuartia rossii)
association with lichen (Aleatoria tenuis)
on a fellfield plateau.
xiii
FOLLOWS PAGE
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
xiv
PLATE
4A
4B
4C
4D
4E
4F
FOLLOWS PAGE
Typical landscape of the wider valleys 59
in the Brooks Range with floodplains,
deformed lateral moraine and colluvial
slopes with some evidence of slope
failures.
Felt-leaf willow (Salix alaxensis ssp. 59 ·
alaxensis) feathermoss/ (Hylocomium
splendens) association on active and
fossil floodplains near Cache Creek.
Felt-leaf willow (Salix alaxensis ssp. 59
alaxensis)/Arctic bearberry (Arctosta-
phylos rubra)-wintergreen (Pyrola
rotundifolia ssp. grandiflora) associa-
tion on older stream terrace on fossil
floodplain near the Marshfork of the
Canning River.
Mixed willow (Salix alaxensis ssp. 59
alaxensis -S. planifolia ssp. pulchra)/
motmtain avens (Dryas integrifolia var.
integrifolia) association on yotmg river
terrace of Marshfork of the Canning River.
Low willow (Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra -59
S. reticulata ssp. reticulata)/moss (Tomen-
thypnum nitens) association on high stable
river terrace of Okerokovik River.
Arctic bearberry (Arctostaphylos rubra) -59
wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia ssp.
grandiflora) association with open balsam
poplar (Populus balsamifera) on topographically
protected river terrace near Cache Creek.
PLATE
SA
SB
sc
SD
SE
SF
XV
FOLLOWS PAGE
White spruce (Picea glauca)/feather-
moss (Hylocomium splendens) association
on high terrace near the Chandalar River
and Cane Creek junction.
Dwarf birch (Betula nana ssp. exilis) -
alpine blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum ssp.
alpinum) and dwarf birch (Betula nana ssp.
exilis)/feathermoss (Hylocomium splendens)
form the two associations found on bedrock
and colluvium terrain types with south
exposures at high elevations (1300 m).
MOuntain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp.
integrifolia)-sedge (Carex bigelowii)
association with scattered White spruce
(Picea gZauca) on alpine moraine above the
Chandalar R.
Netted willow (Salix reticulata ssp.
reticulata)-mountain avens (Dryas integri-
folia ssp. integrifolia)/moss (Tomenthypnum
nitens) association on depressional area
between active floodplains and adjacent
mountain slopes of the Romanzof Mtns. (Okero-
kovik River).
Willow (Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra) -
netted willow (Salix reticulata ssp.
reticulata)/moss (Tomenthypnum nitens)·
association on colluvium of mountain slopes
in the Romanzof Mtns.
Willow (Salix glauca var. acutifoZia) -Arctic
bearberry (Arctostaphylos rubra) -alpine
blueberry (Vaccinium uZiginosum ssp. aZpinum)
association on an old slope failure near the
Ma.rshfork of the Canning River.
59
59
59
59
59
59
xvi
PLATE.
6A
6B
6C
6D
6E
6F
MOuntain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp.
integrifolia)l moss (Tomenthypnum
nitens) association with willow
(Salix glauca var. acutifolia and
S. rotundifolia ssp. dodgeneana) on
stable backswamp depressions along the
Canning R.
Sedge (Carex membranacea) -Arctic bear-
berry (Arctostaphylos rubra) I moss
(Tomenthypnum nitens) association on
imperfectly drained sites on plateaus above
the floodplains of the Ivishak R.
MOuntain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp.
integrifolia)-Lapland cassiope (Cassiope
tetragona) association on the more stable
well drained morainic slopes above the
Marshfork of the Canning R.
~buntain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp.
integrifolia) I moss(Rhytidium rugosum)
association with Lapland cassiope (Cassiope
tetragona) on rocky upland slopes on
colluvium terrain above Cane Creek.
Mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp.
integrifolia) -sedge (Carex scirpoidea)
and mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp.
integrifolia)lmoss (Tomenthypnum nitens)
associations on well drained upland meadows
FOLLOWS PAGE
59
59
59
59
59
on colluvium terrain near the Marshfork of the
Canning R.
Mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp.
integrifoZia) -sedge ( Carex misandra)
association on alpine moraine next to the
fossil floodplain in the Canning R. area.
59
l '
xvii
PLATE FOLLOWS PAGE
7A MOuntain avens (Dryas integPifolia ssp. 59
integPifolia)-Lapland cassiope (Cassiope
tetPagona) association with felt-leaf
willow (Salix alaxensis ssp. alaxensis)
on lower well drained sites on the fossil
floodplain near the Marshfork of the
Canning R.
7B Mountain avens (DPyas integPifolia ssp. 59
integPifolia)/ moss (Rhytidium PUgosum)
association on rocky substrate of alpine
moraine, old alluvial deposits from side
valleys and colluvial slopes near the
Marshfork of the Canning R.
7C MOuntain avens (Dryas integPifoZia ssp. 59
integPifolia) /moss (Rhytidium PUgosum)
association with lichens (CetPaPia nivalis,
C. commixtPa and Icmadophila ePicetopum)
on rocky substrate on high colluvial slopes
above the Ivishak R.
7D Mountain avens (Dryas integPifolia ssp. 59
integPifolia)-moss campion (Silene
acaulis ssp. acaulis) association on gentle
and deformed lateral moraine above Cane
Creek.
7E Netted willow (Salix Peticulata ssp. 59
Peticulata)-sedge (CaPex micPochaeta)/
moss (RhacomitPium lanuginosum) association
on high rocky solifluction slopes above
the Canning R.
xviii
PLATE
8A
8B
8C
8D
Typical landscape of Arctic Foothills
Physiographic Province with rounded
silt-mantled slopes and rolling hills.
Well developed tussock tundra of willow
(Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra) -
cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum)
and I or sedge (Carex bigelowii) I
feathermoss (Hylocomium splendens)
association on the silt mantled rolling
hills above the Kongakut R.
Wet sedge meadow of dwarf willow (Salix
planifolia ssp. pulchra or S. glauca
var. glauca)-sedge (Carex aquatilis)
association on old stream bed near the
Kongakut R.
Felt-leaf willow (Salix alaxensis ssp.
alaxensis) lfeathermoss (Hylocomium
splendens) association along Gilead Creek
on a high river terrace of the fossil
floodplain.
FOLLOWS PAGE
73
73
73
73
PLATE
9A
9B
9C
9D
Felt-leaf willow GSalix alaxensis ssp.
alaxensis) -willow (Salix pZanifolia
ssp. pulahra)/mountain avens (Dryas
integrifolia ssp. integrifolia) asso-
ciation in an open forest of balsam
poplar (Populus balsamifera) on coarse
alluvium.
Alpine blueberry (Vaaainium uliginosum
ssp. alpinum) -lingonberry (V. vitis-
idaea ssp. minus) association on gently
rounded moraine near Gilead Creek.
Dwarf willow (Salix retiaulata ssp.
retiaulata) mountain avens (Dryas
integrifolia ssp. integrifolia) I
moss (Tomenthypnum nitens) association
on gentle to steep slopes and old river
terraces.
Scattered mounds of vegetation of dwarf
willow (Salix retiaulata ssp. retiaulata) -
Labrador tea (Ledum palustre ssp. deaumbens)
-bluegrass (Poa alpina) association on
gravelly area of rounded silt-mantled
slope terrain with south exposure.
xix
FOLLOWS PAGE
73
73
73
73
XX
PLATE FOLLOWS PAGE
lOA Outwash Plain and Floodplain terrain 79
of the Arctic Coastal Plain near the
Sagavanirktok R.
lOB Flat Arctic Coastal Plain terrain With 79
inclusions of fossil lake beds and
polygonal features east of the Canning
R.
lOC Dwarf willow (Salix ovalifolia ssp. 79
ovalifolia)-mountain avens (Dryas
integrifolia ssp. integrifolia) -
sedge (Carex bigelowii) association
on rounded silt-mantled slope with thaw
ponds on ice wedge polygons near the
Kongakut R.
lOD Willow (Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra) -79
sedge (Carex aquatilis) association on
fossil lake bed. Wet sedge meadow is a
dominant feature of the physiographic
province.
lOE Sedge (Carex bigelowii-C. rariflora-C. 79
saxitilus ssp. laxa) association on
former oriented lake terrain near the
Sagavanirktok R.
PLATE
llA
llB
llC
liD
llE
Dwarf birch (Betula nana ssp. exilis) -
sedge (Carex aquatilis and C. bigelowii)
association on level area of fossil
floodplain in the interior portion of
the coastal plain.
Willow (Salix lanata ssp. riahardsonii) -
sedge (Carex vaginata)/feathermoss
(Hyloaomium splendens) association on
silt-mantled terrain with thaw and ice
mounds near the Kongakut R.
Netted willow (Salix retiaulata ssp.
retiaulata) -sedge (Carex bigelowii)/
moss (Tomenthypnum nitens) association
on rolling hills of the eastern coastal
plain.
Dwarf willow (Salix planifolia ssp.
pulahra) -sedge (Carex bigelowii) -
~otton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum)
association on higher areas between
former oriented lake terrain forming a
wet sedge meadow with some tussock
development.
Willow (Salix planifolia ssp. pulahra)
sweet coltsfoot (Petasites fPigidus)
on middle terraces and old oxbow areas
of fossil floodplains on the upper eleva-
tions of the coastal plain.
xxi
FOLLOWS PAGE
79
79
79
79
79
xxii
PLATE
12A
12B
12C
12D
Dwarf willow (Salix ovalifolia ssp.
ovalifolia) -mormtain avens (Dryas
integrifolia ssp. integrifolia) -
polar grass (Arctogrostis latifolia
ssp. latifolia) association on an old
terrace of the Canning R.
Netted willow (Salix reticulata ssp.
reticulata) -mormtain avens (Dryas
integrifolia ssp. integrifolia)/moss
(Tomenthypnum nitens) association on
deformed alluvial fan deposits on lower
portion of the coastal plain.
Mormtain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp.
integrifolia) -Lapland cassiope (Cassiope
tetragona) -sedge (Carex scirpoidea) -
alpine blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum
ssp. alpinum) association on well drained
alluvial fan deposits.
Lapland cassiope (Cassiope tetragona) -
sedge (Carex bigelowii) -northern Labrador
tea (Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens)
association on old alluvial fan deposits
and fossil floodplains above the Sagavanirktok
R. Tussocks have developed on the slightly
raised areas.
FOLLOWS PAGE
79
79
79
79
PLATE
13A
13B
13C
13D
13E
13F
Cumulic Regosol on a level well drained
active floodplain near Monument Creek.
Gleyed Static Cryosol on a level poorly
drained fossil floodplain of the Koness R.
Regosolic Turbic Cryosol under earth
hunnnocks near Grayling Lake.
Cumulic Regosol on a steep slope above
the Koness R.
Lithic Alpine Eutric Brunisol on a level
well drained ridge of the Porcupine Plateau.
Lithic Degraded Eutric Brunisol under _
white spruce on bedrock near Grayling Lake.'
xxiii
FOLLOWS PAGE
91
91
91
91
91
91
xxiv
PLATE
14A
14B
14C
14D
Cumulic Gleysolic Static Cryosol on a
floodplain near Index Mtn.
Gleysolic Static Cryosol on a fossil
floodplain near Index Mtn.
Gleysolic Turbic Cryosol on poorly drained
solifluction slopes of Index Mtn.
Gleysolic Turbic Cryosol on a poorly
drained colluvial terrace of Index Mtn.
FOLLOWS PAGE
94
94
94
94
PLATE
lSA
lSB
lSC
lSD
lSE
Regosol with a very thin surface organic
horizon on an active floodplain of the
Chandalar R.
Lithic Alpine Regosol or Lithic Regosol
on a fossil floodplain near the Canning R.
Lithic Alpine Eutric Brunisol on a fossil
floodplain terrace near Cane Creek.
Lithic Regosol on fossil floodplain of
Cane Creek.
Cumulic Gleysolic Static Cryosol on fossil
floodplain of the Chandalar R.
XXV
FOLLOWS PAGE
96
96
96
96
96
xxvi
PLATE
16A
16B
16C
16D
Mesic or Humic Organo Cryosol on an
alluvial fan deposit in the Cane Creek
Pass area.
Brunisolic Turbic Cryosol on a lateral
moraine near the Chandalar R.
Lithic (Alpine) Regosol on a colluvial
slope near Cane Creek Pass.
Lithic Cumulic Regosol on a colluvial
slope near Cane Creek Pass.
FOLLOWS PAGE
96
96
96
96
xxvii
PLATE FOLLOWS PAGE
17A Cumulic Regosolic Static Cryosol 100
on an active floodplain near the
Canning R.
17B Gleysolic Turbic or Static Cryosol 100
on a fossil floodplain near the
Sagavanirktok R.
17C Lithic Static Cryosol on a fossil 100
floodplain near the Kongakuk R.
17D Gleysolic Static Cryosol on a.fossil 100
lake basin near the Okerokovik R.
17E Gleysolic Turbic Cryosol on a silt 100
mantled slope near the Okerokovik R.
xxviii
APPENDIX
1
2
3
4
5
LIST OF APPENDICES
PAGE
Monthly temperature and precipitation 174
values for six stations nearest the
study area in Alaska and Canada.
Annotated species list with common 177
names collected or identified from the
study area.
Stand locations with general vegetation 189
type and physical features of the study
area. Site numbers refer to those placed
on Figure 1.
Tree and shrub structure (density/Ha by 204
size class) of stands in the various
physiographic provinces and divisions,
stands only with trees and shrubs over
1 m are listed. Average density of
1 Hectare = 2.47 acres and DBH = diameter
breast height.
Simple correlation of biotic and environ-Follows page 206
mental factors at forested and tall and
medium shrub sites. Significance is given
as + or -where P > .05, and 0 = no signi-
ficance. Number of observations ranged
from 3 to 25.
I
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I
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<
J
}
j
1
~
1 \
1
j
I
1. 0 INTRODUCTION
The current and projected trend for development of northern Alaska will
no doubt continue as the need for natural resources increases. Increase
1
in land use of the northern boreal forest and tundra necessitates a predicting
cause and effect relationships between use and associated environmental
changes. The establishment of meaningful biological units, their description,
assessment of their relationships to environmental factors and each other
is necessary in obtaining baseline information for impact prediction
of land use and for formulating land use plans.
Although the tundra and northern boreal forest comprise a large portion
of Alaska, biological studies have been limited by inaccessability, short
growing seasons and adverse winter conditions. Exploration parties were
active along the northern coast of Alaska in both the 18th and 19th centuries,
and activity near the coast increased with the arrival of whaling expeditions
in 1848. Naturalists usually accompanied the exploration expeditions,
and although reports were at first limited, a gradual knowledge of the
main species, especially zoological, was accumulated CWilimovsky, 1966).
Botanical collections have been quite extensive to date Oftilten, 1968),
although there are, undoubtedly, areas in the mountainous regions which
have not been well collected. Plant community descriptions, on the other
hand, have been restricted to specific areas. Coastal plain communities
have been described more thoroughly than those of the mountainous regions
due in part to their greater accessibility with intensive studies being
cenducted near Prudhoe Bay and Cape Thompson.
2
The major objective of the vegetation -soil survey is to provide information
which will serve as a basis for making land use decisions which are aimed
at maintaining the present, naturally evolved, ecosystems.
Specific objectives are:
1) To establish a framework of vegetation pattern and environmental
relationships to ~mich other biological studies can be related.
2) To establish quantified baseline data in order to predict and
monitor changes in vegetation and soils which may be due to
activities associated with the development of transportation
facilities.
3) To characterize terrain types according to present plant cover
and associated soil properties which can be important in making
decisions for revegetation and restoration programs.
4) To outline areas where special techniques are necessary to insure
land stability in the event of pipeline construction.
5) To inventory forested areas for clearing and right-of-way cost
analysis.
\
I
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2.0 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The first botanical studies in northern Alaska were of plant collections
and descriptions under the auspices of exploration parties (Hulten, 1940).
These and later collections contributed to the present botanical knowledge
of the area which has been coalated by Hulten (1968). Reports continue
to be published in species range extensions as the more remote areas
are collected QMiller et al., 1973).
3
Studies on the composition and description of plant communities are relatively
recent and have been concentrated near the more accessible areas of the
Alaskan north slope (Cape Thompson and Point Barrow). The most comprehensive
descriptions to date are those of Sigafoos (1952), Spetzman (1959), Britton
(1957) and Johnson et al. (1966) which cover most of the coastal plain,
foothills and parts of the northern Brooks Range. Vegetation has been
described for a more limited area by Wiggins (1951) near Point Barrow,
Hanson (1953) near the Noatuk and Kobuk rivers in northwestern Alaska,
and Churchill (1955) near Umiat. These descriptions have included community
nomenclature and the dominant species with inferences to related physiographic
and other environmental factors. Rastorfer et al. (1973) emphasizes
the importance of bryophytes in Low Arctic areas and describes the habitat
of numerous moss spec1es at Prudhoe Bay.
Community descriptions are apparently non-existent for most of the area
from the interior Brooks Range to the Porcupine Plateau and Yukon boundary.
------Johnson and Vogel (1966) have described the vegetation of the Yukon Flats
4
which has some similarities to vegetation of the Porcupine Plateau, and
Shacklette (1963) has listed the dominant species in many communities
in the Circle Hot Springs area south of the Yukon River. Dingman and
KOutz (1974) have typed the vegetation in the Yukon -Tanana area north
of Fairbanks, and have delineated relationships between vegetation, permafrost
and insulation factors. Vegetation types have been described for the
Canadian Arctic by Mackay (1963), Corns (1972), and Gill (1971) near
the Mackenzie Delta and Drew and Shanks (1965) and Lambert (1968) in
the British and Richardson mountains. A number of areas in the northern
Yukon were described by Welsh and Rigby (1971) during a reconnaissance
study and Hettinger et aZ. (1973) classified vegetation and soil types
with associated terrain in the northern Yukon and adjacent N.W.T. Aspects
of the tundra-forest ecotone are discussed by Krebs and Barry (1970),
Larsen (1973) and Ritchie and Hare (1971).
Successional concepts for tundra areas have been reviewed by Churchill
and Hanson (1958) and discussions of trends for various vegetation types
of the north slope of Alaska include those of Churchill (1955) and Spetzman
(1959). Succession patterns for riparian communities are discussed by
Bliss ru1d Cantlon (1957) for northern Alaska and by Gill (1971) for the
Mackenzie Delta. Lambert (1972) describes recolonization features of
a mudflow and alpine succession in the northern Yukon. Successional
trends in northern forested regions have been described by Taylor (1932)
for southeastern Alaska and by Strang (1973) for an area near the Mackenzie
River in the Northwest Territories.
5
The interaction between vegetation types and disruptive influences (fire
and frost action) have been investigated at a number of sites in the
Arctic. According to Lutz (1959) wildfires have always been a factor
in most northern ecosystems and some of the effects of fires on biotic
and physical components of boreal forest have been documented (Lutz,
1956; Ahlgren and Ahlgren, 1960; Scotter, 1964; and Mackay, 1970). The
effects of fire in Arctic tundra regions have been discussed by Cody
(1954, 1965), Cochrane and Rowe (1969) and Weinand Bliss (1973b). The
influence of frost action on vegetation has been discussed by Benninghoff
(1952) and Viereck (1966), and a positive relationship between frost
features and silty soils was noted by Hopkins and Sigafoos (1950) and
Viereck (1966) in the Seward Peninsula.
Shacklette (1963) has observed that relationships between plant communities
and variatio11s in soil moisture, light, exposure, soil type and geologic
formation are less evident in high latitudes than in temperate areas.
Thus the vegetation mosaic in the Arctic is thought to be more difficult
to interpret on the basis of controlling factors. Shacklette (1963)
found no relationship between soil taxa (great group), essential elements,
soil pH and discrete types of plant communities.
An increasing amount of the effect of disturbance on tundra vegetation
research has been documented. The effects of seismic and road activities
are discussed by Hok (1969) for northern Alaska and by Hernandez (1972
and 1973) for the Mackenzie Delta region. Seismic and oil spill disturbance
~~~~~~~~-~tests ~have been discussed by Bliss and Wein (1972) and the effects of
6
winter road use by Kerfoot (1972). Other studies related to disturbance
include response of native species to fertilizer treatments QHaag, 1972)
and energy budget studies near the J~ckenzie River at Nbrrnan Wells and
Tuktoyaktuk (Haag, 1972).
Early descriptive soil studies in northern Alaska have been concentrated
near accessible coastal regions such as Point Barrow. These· studies
were initiated by Kellogg and Nygard (1951) who described a few profiles
at Point Barrow, and later Tedrow and his associates (Tedrow and Hill,
1955; Drew and Tedrow, 1957; Tedrow and Cantlon, 1958; Tedrow et al.3
1958), who described several well drained profiles near Point Barrow,
and others within the arctic slope. They then initiated a classification
system based on drainage. More recently, several investigations have
been carried out further inland, in the foothills and northern Brooks
Range. Ugolini and Tedrow (1963) and Ugolini et aZ. (1963) investigated
soils formed from black mountain shales, Drew and Shanks (1965) described
soils in the Firth River Valley and related these to vegetation types,
and Brown (1969a) has described soils in the foothills area near the
Okpilak River.
It was recognized in these early investigations that soil forming processes
in the Arctic are retarded in comparison to temperate regions, by low
decomposition rates (Douglas and Tedrow, 1959) and by low rates of weathering
of the parent material (Hill and Tedrow, 1961) due to low temperatures
and high moisture contents of these soils. In addition, it was clear
that the presence of permafrost and its influence on frost features and
7
processes, had a disruptive and reverse effect on soil forming processes.
The relationship of permafrost, patterned ground, frost processes and
ice wedges to soil formation have been discussed by Tedrow and Harries
(1960), Drew and Tedrow (1965) and Brown (1967) respectively. Buried
organic matter has been commonly associated with these frost processes
in permafrost regions ~ckay, 1962; Tedrow, 1965; Brown, 1969b).
In the Canadian Arctic, some soil properties of the northern Hudson's
Bay and Ellesmere Island have been described by Fenstel et aZ. (1939).
Other studies are limited to the Western Canadian Arctic where Day and
Rice (1964) described several profiles above the Mackenzie River and
Lambert (1968) has described local soils according to Kubiene (1953)
near Canoe and Trout Lakes in the Richardson MOuntains of the northern
Yukon. Janz (1974) described a number of soils in the Tuktoyaktuk peninsula
and related changes to microenvironmental differences. The present survey
of northern Alaskan soils covers five physiographic regions. Only the
major types could be examined in the short time available in one summer
over such an extensive area. The survey accompanied the vegetation survey,
limiting sampling to those areas designated for vegetation sampling.
8
3. 0 S1UDY AREA
3.1 Location
The area under investigation is about 250 x 270 km (155 x 170 miles)
and extends from the Alaska-Yukon Boundary (141°W) on the east to the
Ivishak River in the Brooks range (147°W) and Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (148°20 'W)
on the west, and from the upper Porcupine Plateau (67°40'N) on the south
to the Arctic coast on the north (70°20'N) (Fig. 1).
3.2 Land Use
Settlements near the study area include Arctic Village on the east fork
of the Chandalar River and Kaktovak on Barter Island both of which have
less than 200 people (Alaska Fed. Field Comm. £or the Develop. Planning
in Alaska, 1968). These settlements traditionally have had a hunting
and trapping economy. Numerous people in this area apparently still
rely on animal resources for a part of their food supply (Alaska Fed.
Field Committee for the Develop. Planning in Alaska, 1968). Hunting
by non-native individlials for grizzly bear, caribou, moose and Dall sheep
occurs especially in the southern portion of study area.
Other settlements in the region are those associated with oil and gas
resources such as those at Prudhoe Bay and government personnel at the
Barter Island DEW-line station.
• ' i
' _/,
/ '
9
•
I 40Km I
• INTENSIVE STUDY AREA LOCATIONS
PROPOSED PIPELINE ROUTING
PHYSIOGRAPHIC DIVISIONS
(AFTER PAYNE et. al ( 1951)
EXCEPT FOR SOUTHERN
FOOTHILLS AND WESTERN
PORCUPINE PROVINCES
NORTHERN ENOINEERINO SERVIC'EB
COMPANY UMITED
STUDY AREA LOCATIONS IN RELATION
TO THE PHYSIOGRAPHIC PROVINCES
AND PROPOSED PIPELINE ROUTING
IN NORTHEASTERN ALASKA
l
10
3.3 Physiographic Regions
Most of the area has previously been divided into physiographic regions
on the basis of elevation and topography (Payne et aZ.~ 1951). These
include the Arctic Coastal Plain, Arctic Foothills, Brooks Range, and
Porcupine Plateau Provinces. Permafrost is mapped as continuous for
the entire region, but may not be found in certain restricted habitats
(Ferrians, 1965).
The Arctic Coastal Plain extends east across the northern section of
Alaska from near Cape Beaufort (164°W) and has been divided into the
Teshekpuk and White Hills Sections (Payne et. aZ.~ 1951). The province
varies in width (north to south) from about 160 km (100 mi.) at the western
end to 17 km (12 mi.) at Demarcation Bay. The Teshekpuk Lake Section
is mostly below 100 m (300 ft.) elevation and of low relief with much
of the surface covered by wind-oriented lakes. This section extends
east from Cape Beaufort to about Camden Bay (145°E) (Fig. 1). The White
Hills Section includes an area of rolling hills up to 370 m (1200 ft.)
elevation with fewer lakes than the Teshekpuk Lake Section, although
poor surface drainage is still present (Black and Barksdale, 1949).
This section is interior to the Teshekpuk Lake Section over much of the
province, until near Camden Bay, where a drier aspect and hilly topography
extend nearly to the coast from the foothills. The entire province exhibits
ground frost features which are categorized by Washburn (1956) as circles,
polygons, nets, stripes and steps.
(
11
Much of the Arctic Coastal Plain is of unconsolidated marine and non-
marine gravel, sand, clay and peat of the Quarternary Gubik Formation.
The White Hills Section however, also includes some non-marine sediments
of the Early Tertiary Sagavanirktok Formation of poorly consolidated
conglomerates, silty sandstone and siltstone with some lignite and bog-
head cam1el coal (Payne et aZ.3 1951). The area has apparently not been
glaciated since exposed (Detterman et aZ.3 1958).
The Arctic Foothill Province extends along the base of the Brooks Range
at 150 to 610 m (500 -2000 ft.) elevation and varies from five to 80
km (50 mi.) in width (Fig. 1). Payne et aZ. (1951) divide the Province
into northern and southern sections and include areas to 915 m (3000
ft.). The topography is of rolling hills with numerous resistance ridges
nearer the mountains which are dissected by rivers and creeks originating
in the adjacent Brooks Range. The Province is generally covered by a
mantle of Lower and Upper Cretaceous rock and shale, sandstone, conglomerate,
bentonite and tuff (Payne et aZ., 1951). Glaciers covered much of the
area during the Quarternary Period, the last period of glaciation occurring
between 8, 000 and 14,000 years ago. Maximum advance was to the south
on the Anaktuvuk River where till has been found ten miles south of the
braided river mouth near the coast (Pewe, 1953).
The Brooks Range Province is about 160 km (100 mi.) wide and varies from
610 to over 2750 m (2000 -9000 ft.) in elevation. The area is composed
of a number of subsidiary ranges and is here divided into the Romanzof
12
(northeastern front range), Franklin (interior range near the Canning
Range) and Davidson (interior range of the Sheenjek and Coleen River
headwaters) mormtains (Fig. 1).
This area was uplifted in the Early Cretaceous and again in the Late
Cretaceous and is composed of exposed Devonian clastics and limestone,
Mississippian limestone, chert, shale and conglomerate, and Permian sandstone
(Payne et al.~ 1951). A number of glaciation occurred throughout the
area during the Pleistocene, and glaciers are still present in the higher
cirques and north exposed slopes. The topography is therefore complex
with outwash plains and lateral moraines at the base of steep talus slopes
(Detterman et al.~ 1958).
The Porcupine Plateau physiographic province lies between the Davidson
Mormtains (68°20'N) on the north and the Yukon Flats (67°N) on the south
(Fig. 1). Much of the area features rolling hills and plateaus at 305 -
370m (1000 -1200 ft.) elevation with numerous ridges and isolated peaks
to about 1070 m (3500 ft.). A number of rivers extend across the plain
to the Yukon Flats from the Brooks Range.
According to Brosge and Reiser (1969) the geology of the region is complex
with exposed bedrock of Mississippian shale, quartzite and chert and
inclusions of black silt and clay, and outcrops of Jurrassic sandstone
and chert with some ridges of exposed Lisburne limestone. The large
valleys are composed of alluvial, fluvial and colluvial materials which
may cover older moraines, but these may be unmodified closer to the Brooks
13
Range. Outwash and valley train deposits exist in the upper Sheenjek
River and east fork of the Chandalar River south of Arctic Village which,
with unmodified moraine, give evidence of Wisconsin glacial advance from
the Brooks Range (Karlstrom, 1964).
The northern portion of the Porcupine Plateau is placed in this study
into a Southern Foothill Province to facilitate dividing the vegetation
portion of the landscape into geographically manageable units. The division
includes an area adjacent to the Brooks Range mostly between 460 and
1070 m (1500 -3500 ft.) elevation with an increase in the number of
mountain peaks compared to the Porcupine Plateau (Fig. 1).
3.4 Climate
Barter Island is the only established weather station within the study
area. Stations in nearby or similar areas include those at Point Barrow
and Komakuk Beach, Yukon Territory. Temperatures at all these stations
are influenced by the Arctic Ocean which may modify diurnal and annual
ranges and do not give an indication of climatic conditions of the Brooks
Range or interior plateaus. Even though temperature ranges are greater
in the foothills than the coast, Spetzman (1951) indicates that the growing
season is longer at the higher elevations. Climatic data have been recorded
and averaged for a 29 year period at Point Barrow and Barter Island (Searby,
1968) and for a 20 year period at Komakuk Beach (Environment Canada,
1970) (Appendix 1). Freezing temperatures occur during each month of
~---------the Year-for-ootli stations. Mean annual temperature is -12.2°C (I0°F)
14
at Point Barrow, -12.4°C (l0°F) at Barter Island and -ll.l°C (l2°F) at
Komakuk Beach. The maximum recorded temperature was 27 .2°C (81 °F) at
Komakuk Beach and the lowest was -50.6°C (-59°F) at Barter Island with
both KOmakuk Beach and Point Barrow recording a low of -48.9°C (-56°F)
(Appendix 1). The maximum wind velocity recorded for the three sites
was 125.5 km/hr. (79 m.p.h.) at Barter Island. Barter Island also has
the highest mean annual precipitation with 16.0 em (6.28 in.) (12.1 em
as snow) and Point Barrow and Komalmk Beach have averages of 10.8 em
(4.24 in.) and 15.4 em (6.06 in.) respectively (Searby, 1968; Environment
Canada, 1970). July and August are the wettest months at all sites.
The area on the coastal plain is usually portrayed as a desert region
because of the low amount of precipitation and projected water deficit.
Britton (1957) reviews the problems associated with water budget interpretation
in the Arctic and believes that water deficits are not as large as once
supposed. This was alleged to be due to the inaccuracy of measured winter
precipitation due to winds and lower real values for evaporation rates.
Free water is evident in most of the area through July and many areas
of the coastal plain are wet the entire sunnner. Low amounts of precipita-
tion also may not be the best indicator of aridity since the amount of
moisture is also a function of melting permafrost as the active layer
depth of the soil increases through the summer.
15
4.0 ME1HODS
Both extensive and intensive methods were used in collecting data on
the commtmity types within the study area. The field study was not initiated
tmtil the deciduous plants were near maximum leaf size. Sampling therefore
began in the southern portion of the study area in the latter part of
Jtme. Sampling on the coast and in the motmtainous areas occurred in July
and August, and lower and more southern areas were again sampled at the
end of August.
The stand is used as the fundamental tmit for vegetation sampling, each
stand being a concrete representation of an abstract community and having
a recognizable amotmt of compositional and structural homogeneity. Percent
ground cover and distribution of species within each stand are used to
ascertain species composition and dominance. These attributes are used
to indicate the similarity among stands to establish an order of natural
stand relationships and to characterize a type of plant community. Structural
(including floristic) similarity among stands is used as a measure of
total environmental similarity even though stand history, topography
or other measurable factors may be independently different.
Using cluster analysis techniques, similar stands are grouped into associations,
which are then grouped into vegetation types. Vegetation types are usually
named after a constant and usually dominant species which with subordinates
name the associations within the types. This classification approach
16
is similar to that propounded by Daubenmire (1968) where an association
represents a community of a particular habitat type, and Poore (1955)
where associations were defined by constant species. Successional status
of stands is not differentiated here since there is not enough experience
with many of the plant communities to predict the climax type if in fact
such a type can be defined for Arctic regions. If this classification
system displays natural linages between plant communities (effect), then
factors controlling (cause) vegetation distribution are easier to define.
4.1 Field Methods
Air photo interpretation and field reconnaissance were utilized for selecting
areas containing a number of representative habitats within each physiographic
province. A series of stands (sample units) frequently conincided with
an elevational gradient since a wide range of vegetation and terrain
types could be sampled in a relatively small area. Stands had to be
homogeneous in vegetation physiognomy so that no ecotone effecs were
encountered, and had to be free from evidence of unnatural disturbance,
in order to decrease the variability in vegetation types due to unknown
quantities associated with land use.
The centre of each stand was marked with a range pole and two 50 m baselines
were located on opposite sides of this central point (Fig. 2). Notes
were taken on evidences of natural disturbance including fire and grazing
impact, and physical characteristics including slope, aspect, azimuth
and elevation. A photograph of each stand was taken 10 m from, and toward
the range pole.
FIGURE 2. STAND SAMPLING DESIGN USING
RESTRICTED RANDOMIZATION FOR
TREE AND TALL SHRUB TALLIES AND
20 1m2 QUADRATS FOR OBTAINING
GROUND COVER %.
50M.
17
NOT TO SCALE
18
The actual area sampled was a 20 m x 100 m rectangle, except when the
irregularity of the plant community dictated irregular sample boundaries
(Fig. 2). Along the baseline, ten 10m lines were randomly located either
left or right, at right angles to the line, and were used; to delineate
ten 5 x 5 m quadrants for density, d.b.h. (diameter at breast height)
and height measurements of the medium tall ( 1 - 2 m tall) and tall shrubs
(>2m tall), tall shrubs to saplings ( 2m-2.5 em d.b.h.) and tree
(> 2.5 em d.b.h.) species measurements; and to locate 20 random 1m2
quadrants for obtaining percent of total plant ground cover on an individual
species basis. The latter estimate was recorded for living material
of each species using a 10 point cover scale (Table 1). The species
area curve of Cain (1943) was used to determine sample number adequacy.
Tree and tall shrub canopy cover was estimated from a concave gridded
1nirror which was held in a horizontal position 1 m from the ground surface.
Ten to twenty tree and shrub cores or discs were taken from representative
diameter and height classes within the stand for constructing age patterns
of tree and shrub populations. Variously aged stands representing successional
stages within a sere sequence after natural disturbance were sampled
to complete as much of the sequence as possible. Voucher specimens were
collected at each site of vascular and cryptogam species.
Soil profiles from a pit one to two metres long were described and photographed
at each stand. In cases where repeated soil frost features were prevalent
the profile included a full cycle of the feature. Depth of the pit varied,
but seldom exceeded the estimated maximum active layer depth. Nbtes
(
Symbol
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Table 1. Cover scale for estimating percent ground
cover in the field and midpoints for obtaining
average cover for each species.
Percent Cover Range
0 - 1
1 - 5
5 -10
10 15
15 -25
25 50
50 -75
75 -95
95 -100
Midpoint
0.5
2.5
7.5
12.5
20.0
37.5
62.5
87.5
97.5
20
on the rooting pattern and cryopedological features were taken, but the
emphasis was placed on describing and classifying the soil profile development
according to the Canadian Soil Classification System (Canada Department
of Agriculture, 1970 and Canada Soil Survey Committee, 1973). Field
measurements included horizon depths, stoniness, microtopographic variation
drainage conditions and pH. Samples were taken from organic and mineral
horizons and dried for laboratory analysis.
4.2 Laboratory Methods
Route alignment sheets and air photography interpretation were used to
help collate field observations on the naming of landforms and terrain
types (AAGSC, 1974).
Voucher specin1ens were sorted and sent to various agencies for verification.
Complete sets of specimens have been placed in herbaria at the National
i~seum of Natural Sciences, Ottawa (vasculars) and University of Alberta,
Edmonton (cryptogams) to meet identification and verification obligations
and for a quick return on nomenclature. Duplicate specimens have been
donated to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and retained by Northern
Engineering Services Company Limited. Nomenclature of vascular species
follows HUlten (1968) and Argus (1973) (for willows), Crum et al. (1973)
for mosses and Hale and Culberson (1970) for lichens.
After the nomenclature was verified, mean cover for each species of a
--
stand was calculated and used to compute a prominence value (PV = x%
ground cover x /quadrant frequency) which is a modified procedure of
Beals (1960) and Stringer and LaRoi (1970). A series of computer programs
(Fortran N and Program Language One) were used to convert data from
cover codes to midpoint percentages and thence prominence values. The
prominence value combines ground cover and distributional attributes
to obtain a measurement of vegetation conformation. Species diversity
(a factor of the number of species/sample area and its relative importance
in the sample) was computed using a computer program written in Fortran
N which is based on formulae discussed by Whittaker (1972). Although,
21
several different indices are computed by the program, the Simpson Diversity
Index was utilized to express the species diversity of each stand where
s
C = E n 1 (n 1 -I) , and S =number of species ito I, n =the importance
i=I N(N -I)
value for species i and N = the total of such importance values for all
species. The importance values used were mean percent cover. The Simpson
Index was chosen because it is one of the simplest, it has independence
from sample size, it is an appropriate measure of diversity with the
number of samples used in each stand, the number of samples was large
enough to represent the major species and it gives a slope of importance
values through all the sampled species (Whittaker, 1972).
Prominence value data of all stands were submitted to an agglomerative
hierarchial cluster ana~ysis (Pritchard and Anderson, 1971) using a Fortran
IV computer program written by P.W. Conway (Computing Services, University
of Alberta, Edmonton) which facilitates handling large amounts of data.
_________ ~ ~Al "(;~~~~ _ o_t~~~ II1~!~od_s _ <l:re_ (1\T(l~~(lble for a.IJ.CllY~!-n~ ~~ r_~~" ~~an~ __ _
characteristics, the polythetic technique of cluster analysis was thought
22
to be superior for a diverse array of vegetation types. The reduction
in the usefulness of ordination with high beta diversity is discussed
by Gauch and Whittaker (1972). The agglomerative cluster analysis technique
summarizes inter-stand relationships in a dissimilarity coefficient matrix
as a first step in data treatment which is similar to ordination. The
coefficient utilizes the methods of Jacard (1912) and Bray and Curtis
(1957) where C = 2W x 100, and W = the lowest values of a species common
a+b.
to two stands and a+b represents values of all species in the two stands.
However, distance values are calculated to amalgamate similar units and
clusters into successively larger groupings (Pritchard and Anderson,
1971). Algorithms are used for this calculation and different methods
which vary in terms of Euclidean space are available for comparing inter-
cluster distances. The generalized formula used far calculating the
distance (Dk .. ) from cluster K to the union of clusters I and J is Dk .. = .1] .1]
oc.D.k + oc.D.k + SD .. + ID.k D.kl· Union of clusters so as to minimize 1 1 J J 1J 1 - J
intra-cluster variance was used where D .. is inter-cluster sum of squares.
1]
In this case the distance between clusters is given as
Dk .. = [ (n. + nk) D.k + (n. + nk) D.k-NkD .. ]/(n. + nJ. + n,), where nk . lJ 1 1 J J 1] 1 K
is the number of stands in cluster K, and oci = ni + nk ,
ocj = n.+nk
J
n.+n.+nk
1 J
n.+n.+nk
1 J
S = (1-i-j) and y = 0.
The reader is referred to Pritchard and Anderson (1971) for a more thorough
discussion of ea-lculation -tedmiques. A subr-outine whiGh-plot-s-a dendogram-----
and measurement of inter-cluster distance facilitates interpretation
of results.
23
An association table was assembled where the occurrence of all species
having mean cover greater than 1% was listed according to stand sequence.
This infonnation was used to identify potentially unique sites having
a number of species with restricted distribution.
Tree and shrub discs and cores were smoothed and the growth rings counted
under a stereo-scope. The age of all species within each stand were
used as an aid in identifying successional patterns by establishing stand
age structure. The practical stand age (mean of the ~ldest 25% of all
specimens) of Stringer and LaRoi (1970) was used as an indicator of the
time since stand development. Ages of the various populations were then
used to identify developmental sequences within a sere (sequence of success-
ional communities to equilibrium). The ages of shrub species are not
as definitive as trees, since portions of the stems often die back and
hence age estimates may be low.
Photographs and field descriptions were used as a basis for soil taxonomy
which follows the Canada Soil Survey Committee (1973). A number of soil
characters were used to assemble the soil into related groups. The Canadian
Classification system was used for the grouping of soils so that a consistent
grouping would appear in all the appropriate biological reports in this
project. In addition, the Canadian system is specific in differentiating
between those soils influenced by frost processes and those that are
not. Appropriate corresponding groupings from the 7th Approximation
(Soil Survey Staff, 1960) and the system proposed by Tedrow and Cantlon
(1958), will be provided in the discussion section.
24
Soil samples were analyzed by Chemical and Geological Laboratories, Edmonton.
Analyses included loss on ignition at 450°C, and amounts of exchangeable
cations of Ca, Mg, and K, alkaline-earth carbonates and pH. Analyses
followed the methods outlined in Richards (1954). Soil texture was analysed
according to Boujoucos (1951) while exchangeable iron was analysed according
to McKeague and Dayl (1966).
Simple correlation was used to evaluate the degree of relationship between
biotic and abiotic characters of the stands. Fortran IV computer programs
from the Biomedical Computer Package (Dixon, 1968) were used as an aid
in handling data. However, all environmental factors in an ecosystem
are inter-dependent, and cause and effect relationships may not necessarily
be elucidated by statistical significance, and therefore should be viewed
as a first step in segregating important related factors. Correlation
coefficients are computed using rij = Cov (X., X.)
1 J
SD(X. )SD(X.)
1 J
where Cov = Covariance,
SD =standard deviation, i = 1,2 .... -nand j = 1,2 .... -n.
5.0 RESULTS
5.1 Vegetation
5.1.1 General Vegetation Types
25
Many different vegetation types were encountered during the survey
since the study area included a latitudinally large area with
varied topography. Ninety-nine stands were sampled quantitatively,
and note? were taken on numerous vegetation types to supplement
these data. The range includes white spruce forests to barren
lichen areas. Several heath-shrub types are the most common for
the entire study area. Other common communities include sedge
and herb-sedge-lichen meadows. Sedge meadows occur over a large
portion of the Arctic Coastal Plain, especially near Prudhoe Bay.
Many of the communities on the coastal plain are composed of varying
mixtures of sedge-heath and cotton grass species. Tall shrub
communities of mountain alder (AZnus arispa ssp. arispa) and especi-
ally willows are common in the southern portion of the study area,
but are found to be restricted to riparian sites on the coastal
plain and northern part of the Brooks Range (See Fig. 1 for physiographic
division~).
White spruce (Piaea gZauaa) is fairly common in the Western Porcupine
Plateau and occupies riparian, muskeg and upland hillside sites.
Open white spruce occurs in poorly drained muskeg areas with sedge,
cotton grass and heath ground cover, and represents a physiognomy
usually associated with black spruce, which was not found in the
26
study area. White spruce extends north into the Brooks Range
along river systems and south slopes to about 68°40'N at 855 m
(2900 ft.) elevation. It also occurs on rounded morainal hills
to about 760 m (2500 ft.) elevation but is usually widely scattered.
Balsam poplar (Populas balsamifera) occurs less frequently with
increasing latitude. It occurs only as a riparian species and
only on some streambeds and terraces (especially near perennial
springs) through the Brooks Range and into the Arctic Foothills.
The species is a common component of early seral stages in the
Western Porcupine Plateau and may act as a pioneer species-in
river point bars. Balsam poplar is usually replaced by white
spruce if the site is not frequently reflooded.
White birch (Betula papyrifera ssp. humilis) is found only in
the Western Porcupine Plateau on slopes where disturbance has
occurred. White birch forests are best developed on south exposures
which show evidence of past slope failure and fires. It is usually
replaced by white spruce if the terrain remains stable. Consequently,
it is similar to balsam poplar in that its existence is enhanced
by re-occurring disturbance.
5.1.2 General Floral Characteristics
A total of 309 vascular, 68 moss and 56 lichen species was recorded
for the study area. Most of those were observed in the 99 stands,
but collected forays were Inade into areas which were not quantitatively
sampled. Nomenclature of the species is given in Appendix 2 .
Species richness varied from 66 for stand 30 in the Kongakut River
area of the Western Arctic Coastal Plain to 20 for stand 39 on
a fossil floodplain terraces on the Canning River of the Arctic
Coastal Plain (Appendix 3) .
27
Twenty-six stands contain more than 50 species and 15 have fewer
than 30. The physiographic provinces are similar in species richness
with means between 40 and 43 species/stand, with the Western Coastal
Plain section having the highest mean of 43. The Smith Mountain
section (Ivishak River area) of the Brooks Range had the lowest
with an average of 36 species/stand for five stands.
Ar~as containing few species included recently deposited alluvium
in all physiographic provinces and in areas above 1525 m (5000
ft.) in the Brooks Range. The Kongakut and Upper Okerokovik River
areas of the Western Arctic Coastal Plain and adjacent mountains
l~d a comparatively rich flora. These areas also contain a number
of range extentions (Hult~n, 1968). A listing of the stands,
their location, vegetation type and physical features is given
in Appendix 3.
Simpson species diversity indices range from 0.050 for a hummocky
open willow and sedge area near the Kongakut River on the coastal
plain to 0.592 for a wet sedge meadow near the Sagavanirktok River
also on the coastal plain. The assumption is that the less niches
28
left unfilled the higher the index number with 1.0 as the maximum
possible. Many of the sites with high diversity are of alpine
meadow vegetation on peaks in the Western Porcupine Plateau and
Southern Foothill Physiographic Provinces. Although some of the
sites have lower numbers of species than others, all exhibit a
dense ground cover and a lush appearance. Areas on the coastal
plain and Arctic Foothills regions with high diversity indices
I
include meadow vegetation on solifluction slopes, old river terraces
and older fossil lake basins. Again, the areas have a dense vegeta-
tive ground cover which included a number of species in both the
herb and moss strata. Low diversity indices occur for sites with
willow shrub with open white spruce vegetation in the southern
foothills, a number of low willow shrub and heath vegetation types
in the eastern and western Arctic Coastal Plain, and heath dominated
solifluction slopes with north exposures in the Brooks Range.
All of the sites with low diversity indices have a dense cover
of low willow and or heath species and dwarf birch. No consistent
relationship is evident between low diversity. and exposure, latitude
and altitude. The high alpine sites with a predominance of rock
cover also contain a low diversity (0.07 to 0,18), but usually
have a large number of species (especially lichens) in relation
to total importance (% cover) measurements.
Some of the species show a wide ecological amplitude, being found
in a number of different habitats throughout much of the study
area. Twenty-one species occur in at least 30% of the stands.
The species with highest presence include; mountain avens (Dryas
integrifolia integrifolia), featherrnoss (Hylooomium splendens)
at 6l,moss (Tomenthypnum nitens) at 60 and Dioranum aoutifolium
29
at 59, netted willow (Arctostaphylos rubra) at 52, bluegrass (Poa
vivipara), and moss (Aulooomium turgidum) at 50, Lapland cassiope
(Cassiope tetragona) at 48 and sedge and wintergreen (Carex bigelowii~
Pyrola rotundifolia grandiflora) at 43 percent.
Polar grass (Arotagrostis latifolia latifolia), willow (Salix
planifolia pulohra) horsetail (Equisetum arvense~ E. soirpoides},
and lichens (Daotylina arotioa~ Peltigera aphthosa~ Aleotoria
nitidula) all have between 30 and 40 percent stand presence.
Sixty-two species occur only in one stand (presence of~ 2%).
It is not unusual for stands to contain a few specimens of low
abundance which are restricted only to certain special habitats.
These species may be at the extreme of their distribution or appear
only within a certain microhabit in the community, and therefore
would exist only sporadically. Forty-three stands contain at
least one species which does not appear in any other samples.
30
Stands which contain three or more restricted species are here
recognized as unique botanical habitats for the study area. Horsetail
(Equisetum pratense), felt-leaf willow (SaZix aZaxensis ZongistyZis)
and monkshood (Aaonitum deZphinifoZium deZphinifoZium) were only
found in mature white spruce forest which were best developed
on older river terraces in the Western Porcupine Plateau. Examples
of the vegetation type occur along the Sheenjek and Koness rivers
and Monument Creek. Club moss (Lycopodium seZago appressum),
willow (SaZix ahamissonis), moss (Grirronia aZpiaoZa) and lichen
(Haematoma Zapponiaa) were found only on high ( > 1500 m) alpine
fellfields with open vegetation of netted willow (SaZix retiauZata
retiauZata) and sedge (Carex maaroahaeta). Other sites in the
Brooks Range containing species with restricted distribution include
a closed tall willow (SaZix aZaxensis aZaxensis) community on
river terraces in the Ivishak River valley which is the only vegeta-
tion type containing rush (Junaus aratiaus aZaskanus) and spike
trisetum (Trisetum spiaatum), and a wet sedge meadow and mountain
avens backswamp along the upper Chandalar River which contains
sedge (Carex petriaosa) and phlox (PhZox sibiriaa sibiriaa).
The balsam poplar stands near Cache and Gilead creeks on the northern
edge of the Brooks Range are also recognized as unique habitats.
However, only mustard (Cardamine miarophyUa) is restricted to
these sites. Dwarf raspberry (Rubus aratiaus aaauZis) and larkspur
(DeZphinium braahyaentrum) occur at only two other sites in the
area.
particular locations (Hulten, 1968).
31
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris aratiaa), mares tail (Hippuris
vulgaris), bladder campion (Melandrium affine) and roseroot (Sedum
rosea integrifolia) occur only in wet sedge meadows (Carex bigelowii3
Salix ovalifolia ovalifolia3 Dryas integrifolia integrifolia vegeta-
tion), with frost-heaved surfaces in the eastern Arctic Coastal
·Plain near the Kongakut River. Milkvetch (Astragalus alpinus
alpinus), brome grass (Bromus pumpellianus aratiaus), fescue grass
(Festuaa rubra Piahardsonii) and moss (Tortula ruralis) occur
only on high gravelly terraces of dwarf willow (Salix ovalifolia
ovalifolia) and mountain avens vegetation near the Carming River
delta on the Arctic Coastal Plain. Another high terrace near
the Sagavanirktok River delta of mountain avens and sedge (Carex
bigelowii) vegetation contain the only samples encountered of
milkvetch (Astragalus alpinus aratiaus), locoweed (Oxytropis visaida)
and dwarf willow (Salix braahyaarpa niphoalada). A wet sedge
meadow area on a fossil lake bed near Lake 188, east of the Kavik
River with sedge (Carex aquatilis) and low willow (Salix planifolia
pulahra) vegetation, contain the only specimens of horsetail (Equisetum
silvatiaum), aster (Aster ailiolatus) and moss (Diaranum pallidisetum).
A number of the above species are classed as range extensions, yet
others listed have been found regularly in the study area which
may indicate that a particular type of habitat is fairly well
distributed, but represents a small portion of the total land
surface.
32
5.1.3 Cluster Analysis Classification
Fourteen distinctive clusters composed of 41 associations are
recognized from the cluster analysis dendrogram using the minimum
variance method of calculating inter~cluster distances. The clusters
are named by one or two constant, unifying species that have relatively
high PVs (prominence values) (Fig. 3), and therefore it is possible
for some clusters to be composed of diverse vegetation types.
The component associations within.a cluster, initially recognized
by distance relationships, are named by two or three unifying
species having relatively high PVs. The association used here
names a type of vegetation utilizing the dominant species which
are usually from different strata. Association i~ not used in
the strictest synecological form (i.e. Braun -Blanquet) since
"character species" are not identified and no designation is made
as to successional status. Utilization of dominant, constant
species of the various strata in designating the association is
most similar to the Northern (Scandanavian) System of phytosociology
(Schirnwell, 1971).
Similarities of stands within any level of hierachy (stands or
two adjacent clusters, etc.) are usually readily identifiable,
but species composition usually shifts across the cluster. Hence,
stands toward the outside edges of a cluster are the most dissimilar
yet show enough mathematical (and compositional) similarity to
be included in the group. The amount of continuity (overlap) between
-------------------------------------------------·----------
clusters depends on vegetation homogeneity and somewhat on the
s Dlssiollarity
Clusters & Associations Stands 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 10 15 90 95 100
I
Dryas octapotala
TI
vacciniln spp
TIT
Sal i:t!~~j~!ata
IV
Sal ix -Dryas
v
1/l,l~mTl~~P~rr'~~~~s
_y!_
Clrox biaelooi i
VII
Betula-vacc ini lll
VI It
Arctostaphylos nbra
IX
T_,thy(ITIIIII ni tons
X
Corn Sill>.
Xi
Salix Sill>.
XII
Salix Sill>.
Corn aquat i I is
XIII
Hyloc~~nillll splondons
XIV
Dryas intearifol ia
integrifol io
rd/."r.!. ~·"·"· < 1 -I {11----1 D, octapetala 7 luklartla ross11 20 I
<•I iam 1 ~ ~m~l"' -r--52 !
S. roticulata roticuloto/ f'• Corn snitilus lou
19 -J
I j ~-rotic!l'?, r3ti~a-{55 --1 od111,.C: ~fp[~. oc s-56 ___.
I ~ roticulata roticulata/ } 75 ----'--m.,m!~"f~~aiulOSlll < I
lixo"llfOI .o•al{•"•f 1. 1 1 . . . . f7-----I
rmo:lm'b!lt.ll.'lll.t.ll.-" ---j :
.~ ~~~~ :mis !b~msis.: . I f6~
r.ygs intoan ,gy,. 1ntognfol1a 50 ---l
cass~~~~~~F.""/
J Salix '~'"VS i $.11axons is/ c. lilt Dil l
Salix piS'/iffliUaJichro/ e. 1116111
r,1~'mTs'~1 b 1 s~iplooi ;
fttula .nona ••ills-ICCin~~~~llnDSIJI
~rex nartlranaceae -ctostlphylos . ruhro/ llllllllthypnr. n mns
r 98
48
r~ 45----. :
I I 54 ••
<60
J30
» """""""' 1~2 ---1
<59 I
r~ 26 -----I I I
76 ° I
I
I
I I
I
I I I I
i
I
I I
I I
I I
I I
I I
I I
I
I
I
I
I I :
{:3----,
90---..1....----.
0:1 ix f'•••r acutHol ia/ } I CtQS .IPhY OS . rubrl -. < 72 ttlnll.ill u lltrlOSIIII &lptrun 1
Wt'~a~''a;i:*~. -r 14 I 11~:',:!r ~~~~:':.~:.a~aooiflo~ {63 1 ! !
!'yro a r t 110111 77 1 I I
ar 1 ora 1 1 1 1
.. • I I 1
yam:,:~~;=r~{tons
Dryas intoarifolil intoarlfollo/ TllllllllthYIJTUII n1tons
ij"'"l' roti~•1•t• "ticUII!'/ . "l'f"'" 1• intogTifo 11 I 1110n h (lUI n1t ons
~li• rttif"''l' roticulota/ r~~~~r-.':'~ltens
~l i'J''~ifoll·a oulehrT I ll IIICUII I UIICU ata/
""'" y(IIUII n~tens
~:biCit\'i~s-l ~ia'"'ifloro-
~i.J!.aur" ~~~~~·~ } ~.ccr.f:l'lt iS-1d101
t ~ll{l i fol i' ~lchra/ I!YI~~~nl~ ~~~i:dons
<15
{
7--,
61 I
97
25--...
I
37 -------1
I
35 ____.
I
41 ____.
I 47 __ _._...,
{:: :J !
I I 53_ ....... _ ....
I
{
34-----. I
I I 36 __ ....__ ....
I
{I--, :
43 ----~------------~----------~
< 6
I I {~:~ !
46 __ _.__.., I
i:, plani!411 Ia ~ul3hr a/} I : RYI:I:'JV.~.Il':-<57 I i· ~ifolia LlUI~~{ \. < 31 I ri n1M:~:s ylocCJO iliiiJ I
{~Jitf)iloji• p~lchr a/ {22
1 :
SillS Till us 58
s. al''l'i' &I~MJ/ Corel . '\. -I aqulltl 11-Petasitos rig1duy < 32 -----. 1
I I ~,glanaM:li!;rlchr•/ {33 I : : ~ .
Saj ix alannsl·s alanns ls/ Hy DCCIIIII.ftl sp IOOtnS n 1
I I
FIGURE 3" Minimum variance cluster
analysis using prominence values as
the input data " Groups are named oy
constant and prominent species. The
dissimilarity scale was used as a
measure of oetween cluster distance.
{
5I I !
10-------L-------------------------------L------------------
~~~~ '1"..\1" ,gf 1.\.i~~s
~~~~~Y~~1:.\a,ns
Picoa ~~,~~lloc~~nilll
~~~~.m~·~~u~m;cul•ta/
~ intofri!Qii' intearifoli.,.. rox • sanara ytidiiJI TUIIISIJI
~b~~f~li'i'i~,.,sW" spp .
~i ~~~·~~~m·-
&~~~~:m~l~:a
llhyim~~:~~~""
0. integrifol io-
Cossiope totra111na
{.: :
I I
78 ••
I
I
I
I
I
I
{
9 --------;
10
{
13
96
I I I
' ' I
-----.
!
I
I
I
I
I I {
16
21
94 I I :
{
12 --,
64
I
{
40 -----. I
I I
99 -------1 I
I I
{
17 ----, I I
I I I
91
{
65 ____, :
I I
74 ___. I
I I
70 ___. I
I I
71
69--
1
95 ___.
I
92
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
II ____, I I
I I I
___, I I I
I I I I
... I I
21!
93
73
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I I
• I
19
07
12
I . '
0 5 10 15 20 75 10 IS 90 95 100
intensity of sampling within a given area. Groups II through
VI are shown on the cluster to be fairly closely related (Fig.
3) and contain many of the same minor species, even though the
combination of those with the highest PVs change from one group
to the next. Disjunction of the associated species in presence,
or especially in prominence within a cluster is the feature used
to first identify the different associations. Some stands (eg.
7£, 50 and 80) do not fit well into a cluster and can be viewed
as connective types of vegetation between two more discrete units
(Fig. 3). These connective stands also seem to represent a single
sample of a vegetation type according to species composition.
However, affinities can be found between these stands and the
adjacent groups at the lesser species level. The clusters and
associations in Figure 3 are discussed below. Slashes between
33
taxa indicate separation between different strata (tree, tall
shrub/medium tall' low shrub/dwarf shrub and herb/and ground surface
cover). NUmbers of the following groups correspond to those on
Figure 3.
I DPyas oatopetaZa oatopetaZa cluster (Open dwarf shrub)
This grouping represents low shrub vegetation from the alpine
areas of Index Mountain, Koness River and Grayling Lake areas
(Appendix 3). Two associations (SaZix gZauaa aautifoZia/DPyas
oatopetaZa; D. oatopetaZa/MinuaPtia Possii) are recognized
in the cluster analysis. Other important species in this
group include BetuZa nana exiZis~ EmpetPum nigPum hePmaphPoditum~
OxytPopis nigPesaens pygmaea and Lupinus aPatiaus.
34
II Vaaainium spp. cluster (Dwarf heath-shrub)
Only two stands and one association (Vaaainium uZiginosum
aZpinum -Vaaainium vitis-idaea minus) are represented by
this group. One site is of widely scattered white spruce
above Grayling Lake and the other of low shrub near Gilead
Creek in the Arctic Foothills (Appendix 3). Both sites have
a prominent lichen (AZeatoria nitiduZa~ CZadonia pyxidata~
StereoaauZon grande~ Pertusaria daatyZina) and Empetrum nigrum
hermaphroditum cover.
III Salix retiauZata retiauZata cluster (Dwarf shrub meadow)
Three associations are recognized in this group. The Salix
retiauZata retiauZata/Carex saxitiZus Zaxa association represents
alpine rockfields on Index Mountain in the Southern Foothill
Physiographic Province. A S. retiauZata retiauZata -Ledum
paZustre deaumbens/Poa aZpina association represents two similar
sites in the Red Hill area of the Arctic Foothills and an
association of Carex maaroahaeta/Rhaaomitrium Zanuginosum
with Salix retiauZata retiauZata occurs in a high (1525 m)
alpine area of the Brooks Range. Other important species
of the association include Cassiope tetragona~ HieroahZoe
aZpina; Empetrum nigrum hermaphroditum~ AZeatoria nitiduZa
li1 the first and second and Dryas oatopetaZa~ Rhizoaarpum
geographiaum in the third group.
(
,.,
<
IV Salix spp. -Dryas integrifolia integrifolia cluster (Tall-
dwarf shrub)
35
Both tall and dwarf shrub types of vegetation are represented
by this group. A Salix ovaUfoUa ovaUfoUa/Dryas integrifoUa
integrifolia -Aratagrostis latifoZia latifolia association
occurs on two high terrace sites on the Arctic Coastal Plain.
A tall shrub association of Salix alaxensis aZaxensis -Salix
planifolia pulahra/Dryas integrifolia integrifolia typifies
vegetation from older stream terraces of the Brooks Range
and Arctic Foothills. Other important species of both associations
include Salix aratophila3 Bromus pumpellianus aratiaus; Arctostaphylos
rubra3 Populus balsamifera which are separated according to
association affinity.
V Hyloaomiurn splendens -Tomenthypnurn nitens cluster (Low shrub-
moss meadows)
This cluster group probably represents a single association
which is named by the two moss species. Three sub-associations
with Carex vaginata3 Salix aratiaa -Carex vaginata; and Carex
membranaaeae as the dominant species with the moss can be
recognized from the cluster analysis (Fig. 3). Sites within
the group represent a wide range of areas, including the Eastern
Arctic Coastal Plain, the Chandalar River area of the Brooks
Range and the Red Hills of the Arctic Foothills. Thuidium
abietinurn, Equiseturn variegaturn and Boykinia riahardsonii
are other important species in the association.
36
VI Carex bigelowii cluster (Sedge meadows with shrub)
Four fairly diverse associations are represented by this cluster,
with two of the associations containing a tall willow shrub
strata. A Cassiope tetragona/Carex bigelowii association
represents vegetation from Index Mountain and the Western
Arctic Coastal Plain (Sagavanirktok River and Kadleroshilik
River) (Appendix 3). Willow shrub types include Salix alaxensis
alaxensis/Carex bigelowii and Salix planifolia pulahra/C.
bigelowii associations which typify sites from the rolling
hills of the Arctic Coastal Plain. An association of Betula
nana exilis/Carex aquatilia-C. bigelowii depicts a low sedge
meadow on the Eastern Arctic Coastal Plain;
Other important species include Carex misandra, Salix glauaa
aautifolia; Bromus pumpellianus, Carex aapitata; Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia and Betula nana exilis; Salix planifolia pulahra,
Tomenthypnum nitens and Auloaomnium turgidum which are listed
according to their respective association occurrence.
VII Betula nana exilis -Vaaainium uliginosum alpinum cluster
(Dwarf shrub-heath)
This cluster represents a single association of typical dwarf
shrub heath tundra. Sites within the group are from inter-
valley areas near Index Mountain and rolling hills in the
Brooks Range near the Canning River (Appendix 3). Salix
retiaulata retiaulata, Cassiope tetragona and Rhytidium rugosum
are the more prominent associated species in the group.
'I
• '
VIII Arctostaphylos rubra cluster (Dwarf shrub with low-shrubs
and deciduous forest)
37
A diverse group of vegetation types is unified by the dominance
of Arctostaphylos rubra. All the sites are from the lower
elevations of the Arctic Foothills, Brooks Range and Porcupine
Plateau physiographic areas. Four associations (Carex membranaceae -
Arctostaphylos rubra/Tomenthypnum nitens; Salix glauca acutifolia/
Arctostaphylos rubra -Vaccinium uliginosum alpinum; Populus
balsamifera/Arctostaphylos rubra -Pyrola rotundifolia grandiflora;
and Arctostaphylos rubra -Pyrola rotundifolia grandiflora)
are identified within the cluster (Fig. 3). Sites include
well drained hills and river terraces to wet, level areas
over till, the later in the more southern portion of the study
area.
lmportant associated species include Carex rariflora3 Cassiope
tetragona; Picea glauca3 Rosa acicularis; Bromus pumpellianus
arcticus; and Hylocomium splendens which are listed according
to the given association order.
IX Tomenthypnum nitens cluster ~oss-shrub tundra)
A dense ground cover of moss unifies a large group of stands
from a variety of habitats within the study area (Fig. 3).
These stands are separated into four associations of dwarf
and low shrub vegetation. The Dryas integrifoZia integrifoZia/
T. nitens association occurs on wet areas (e.g. backswamps)
38
in the Brooks Range and Porcupine Plateau physiographic regions.
SaZix reticuZata reticuZata -Dryas integrifoZia integrifoZia/T.
nitens represents vegetation on rolling hills and plateaus
and a closely related association of SaZix reticuZata reticuZata -
Carex bigeZowii/T. nitens occurs on frost disturbed areas
of peat rings and solifluction slopes, all in the Arctic Coastal
Plain Physiographic Province. A SaZix pZanifoZia puZchra/S.
reticuZata reticuZata/T. nitens association represents low
slopes and valley floor vegetation in the Romanzof Mountains.
Sedges (Carex aquatiZis, C. scirpoidea) and Equisetum sciropoides
are particularly prominent in the first association. Carex
membranaceae; C. misandra; C. vaginata; SaZix gZauca gZauca
and AuZocomnium turgidum occur as subdominant species in the
other associations and are listed according to the given
association sequence (Fig. 3).
X Carex spp. (Sedge meadows)
An association of Carex bigeZowii -C. rarifZora -C. saxitiZus
taxa is recognized for two very wet sites, one near the Koness
River in the Porcupine Plateau region and one near the Sagavanirktok
River on the Arctic Coastal Plain. Other important species
include Vaccinium vitis-idaea minus, BetuZa nana exitis, Ledum
paZustre decumbens at the southern backswarnp site, and Eriophorum
vaginatum and PedicuZaris sudetica at the northern site on
a fossil lake bed.
<,
39
XI Salix spp. cluster (Willow shrub)
Tall willow shrub vegetation with a variety of understory
species is represented by this group. Four associations of
Salix glauca acutifolia/Ledum groenlandicum -Vaccinium vitis-
idaea minus; S. planifolia pulchra/Carex bigelowii/Hylocomium
splendens; S. planifolia pulchra/Aulocomnium turgidum -Hylocomium
splendens; and S. planifolia pulchra/Eriophorum vaginatum/Hylocomium
splendens are recognized from the cluster analysis. Sites
include low shrub areas of the gentle hills of both Southern
and Arctic Foothill areas and a level wet area near the Kavik
River on the Arctic Coastal Plain. Associated species listed
according to the association order include Empetrum nigrum
hermaphroditum, Betula glandulosa; Aulocomnium turgidum; Poa
glauca; and Saxifraga punctata nelsoniana.
XII Salix spp. -Carex aquatilis cluster (shrub-sedge meadow)
Three associations, Salix planifolia pulchra/Petasites frigidus,
S. glauca glauca/Carex aquatilis -Petasites frigidus and
Salix planifolia pulchra/Carex aquatilis compose this cluster
of tall, and low shrub meadow vegetation. Sites include a
sub-alpine area on Index Mountain and a number of habitat
types, most of which are low, wet areas from the Arctic Coastal
Plain. Other important species include Carex bigelowii, Equisetum
arvense; Eriophorum vaginatum; and Hylocomium splendens and
Salix reticulata reticulata which are listed in the association
sequence.
40
XIII Hyloaomiwn splendens cluster (Moss with forest and shrub)
The wide ecological amplitude of Hyloaomiwn splendens is
responsible for unifying a cluster of 14 diverse stands.
However, only five associations are recognized from the cluster
analysis (Fig. 3). A Salix alaxensis alaxensis/Hyloaomium
splendens association represents river terrace vegetation
from the Brooks Range and Arctic Foothills physiographic provinces.
Associated species include Shepherodia aanadensis_, Equisetwn
arovense_, Salix hastata and S. planifolia pulahroa. A Betula
nana exilis/Hyloaomiwn splendens association represents stands
from the upland hillsides near Grayling Lake in the Porcupine
Plateau Physiographic Province, gentle valley slopes near
Index Mountain in the Southern Foothills and an old river
terrace in the Arctic Foothills. Vaaainiwn vitis-idaea minus_,
Auloaomnium turogidwn_, Salix sphenophylla and S. planifoZia
pulahroa are also prominent. A Betula papyroiferoa/Hyloaomium
splendens association typifies south exposed slopes with
evidence of old slope failures and/or fire disturbance in
the Porcupine Plateau Physiographic area (Koness River) (Appendix
3). Other important species include Calamagroostis aanadensis_,
C. puropuroasaens and Piaea glauaa. A closely related association
of Piaea glauaa/Hyloaomiwn splendens represents well developed
white spruce forests along many of the rivers in the Porcupine
Plateau, Southern Foothill and the southern part of the Brooks
Range physiographic regions. Pyroola rootundifolia groandiflora_,
Equisetwn sairopoides and Populus balsamiferoa_, on a lesser
scale, are also prominent.
41
An association of SaZix retiauZata retiauZata/HyZoaomium spZendens
typifies alpine and sub-alpine shrub in the Index MOuntain
area (Southern Foothills) and Cane Creek region of the Brooks
Range. SaZix glauaa aautifoZia, Carex bigeZowii and Cassiope
tetragona are also prominent in this vegetation type.
XIV Dryas integrifoZia integrifoZia cluster (Dwarf shrub tundra)
Dryas integrifoZia integrifoZia is another ubiquitous species
which probably has little ecological indicator value except
in combination with other species. This group ~ncornpasses
the largest number of stands (22) in the cluster analysis
and is subdivided into seven distinct associations (Fig. 3).
A Dryas integrifolia integrifoZia -Carex misandra/Rhytidrum
rugosum association occurs on well drained alpine areas in
the Porcupine Plateau (Koness River) with Lupinus aratiaus,
and on hilly moraines throughout the lower elevations of the
Brooks Range with widely scattered Piaea glauaa.
Another association with Carex bigeZowii is described for
a high river terrace on the Arctic Coastal Plain. AstragaZus
aZpinus aratiaus and SaZix braahyaarpa niphoaZada are also
abundant here. A Dryas integrifolia integrifoZia -Carex
Zimosa association is described for a widely scattered Piaea
glauaa vegetation type on well drained gentle slopes and moraines
in the southern Brooks Range. Other important species include
42
Salix glauca acutifolia and RObresia simplicuiscula. An associa-
tion of Dryas integrifolia integrifolia -Silene acaulis acaulis
represents hilltop and alpine river terrace sites in the Brooks
Range (915 -1070 m). Other important species include Carex
concinna, Potentilla biflora, Oxytropis nigrescens pygmaea
and Luzula multiflora frigida. The association of Dryas integri-
folia integrifolia -Carex scirpoidea represents a number
of sites including gentle slopes, lateral moraines and solifluction
slopes from the interior valleys of the Brooks Range QMarshfork
of the Carming River). Arctostaphylos rubra, Vaccinium uliginosum
alpinum, Poa alpina, Rhododendron lapponicum and Silene acaulis
are abundant at these sites. A Dryas integrifolia -Rhytidium
rugosum association includes a number of alpine and sub-alpine
slopes in the Brooks Range (Canning and Ivishak Rivers and
Cane Creek). Salix reticulata reticulata, Cassiope tetragona,
Carex misandra and c. Zugens are also prominent.
A Dryas integrifolia integrifoZia -Cassiope tetragona association
represents sub-alpine shrub and alpine tundra sites in the
Brooks Range and one site on the eastern Arctic Coastal Plain.
Other dominant species include Vaccinium uliginosum aZpinum,
Empetrum nigrum hermaphroditum, Arctostaphylos rubra and Rhytidium
rugosum. One stand (82) had a shift of dominance from Cassiope
tetragona to Carex lugens and does not fit as well as the
others into the association. However, many of the same minor
associated species for the group are present at this site.
I
'j
I
j
j
)
i
)
I
{
1
(
J
J
'I
cl
1 I,
i i
~
)
43
5.2 Major Soils
Soils are described and classified according to Canada Department of
Agriculture (1970) and Canada Soil Survey Committee (1973) except in
a few cases where these classifications do not apply. Regosols, Cryosols
and Brunisols are the major orders encountered.
5.2.1 Regosols
These youthful soils, which occur on active floodplains and mountain
-colluvium, -are characterized -by-having -no inherent horizon -development.-
Surface organic horizons (LFH) are usually thin or lacking. Cumulic
Regosols commonly occur in silt deposits near active streams. ·
They are characterized by having alternating layers of alluvium
and former surface organic horizons and occur in all physiographic
regions. Lithic Regosols are common on mountain colluvium and
over bedrock and are characterized by having a lithic contact
within 10 to SO em of the surface.
5.2.2 Cryosols
This recently introduced, but tentative soil order is characterized
by the presence of permafrost within 1 m of the surface of mineral
soils and within 1. 3 m of the surface of organic soils . Since
the study area lies within the continuous permafrost zone, all
soils would be expected to come under this order. However, because
of rapid drainage conditions in active floodplains, old river
terraces in mountain valleys, and coarse materials on colluvial
slopes and bedrock ridges and outcrops, permafrost may appear
to be absent, thus making classification more difficult.
44
Three great groups within the Cryosolic Order occur in the study
area:
i) Turbic Great Groups in the Cryosolic Order occur on fine textured
slopes in all physiographic regions, especially in the foothills
and the Arctic slope. They occur mostly on imperfect to poorly
drained gentle to moderate slopes and are characterized by ·having
variable surface horizon thicknesses and active layer depths,
with buried and mixed horizons being common.
ii) Static Cryosols occur on poorly to very poorly drained level
to depressional areas and have profiles with fairly uniform surface
horizon thicknesses and active layer depths. Burial and mixing
of horizons is not extensive.
iii) The Organo Great Group is rare, occurring mostly on high
centre polygons on the Arctic Coastal Plain. This group is characteri-
zed by having at least a 40 em thick surface organic horizon or
10 em over ice, which may be the case on high centre polygons
where the active layer varies from 10 to 30 em in depth.
5.2.3 Brunisols
Soils in this order are restricted to the Porcupine Plateau and
Southern Foothills, where Alpine Eutric Brunisols were encountered
on well drained alpine and forested ridges. These soils are characteri-
zed by a brownish Bm horizon just under the turfy (non-chernozemic)
Ah or LFH (forests) horizons, and are restricted to calcareous
regions.
(
I
(
)
45
5.3 Vegetation and Terrain Types of the Physiographic Provinces
Integration of vegetation, soil and terrain facets of the landscape facili-
tates making comparisons by reducing data to a common unit. The vegetation
and soil components offer guidance for recognizing environmental variability.
Ascertaining and understanding the relationships between abiotic and
biotic elements of an ecosystem is fundamental in making predictions
of vegetation and soil response to environmental changes.
Although associations transgress the various physiographic provinces,
the boundaries are adhered to in order to facilitate the portrayal of
results. Association nomenclature is used to describe the vegetation,
but is grouped under conventional vegetation type headings along with
IBP nomenclature which is listed in paranthesis (Fosberg, 1970). Hanson
(1953), Churchill (1955), Bliss (1956), Britton (1959), Spetzman (1959),
Drew and Shanks (1965) and Johnson et aZ. (1966) were consulted to arrive
at the most conventional and traditional categories for vegetation types.
These categories vary somewhat according to the reference because of
differences in study area and concepts. Terms such as tussock tundra,
wet sedge meadow, dwarf shrub-heath and dwarf shrub heath tussock seem
to be the most universally used categories.
5.3.1 Porcupine Plateau Physiographic Province
Areas sampled in the Porcupine Plateau range from 430 to 760 m
in elevation. Five major terrain types and seven subtypes were
identified for the Grayling Lake, MOnument Creek and Koness River
areas, which are believed to be typical for the physiographic
46
province (AAGSC, 1974). The area includes isolated mountain ranges
and peaks with bedrock outcroppings, including small cliffs, and
montane valley colluvium which are illustrated in Plate lA. Most
of the peaks are well rounded and weathered. The gently rolling
hills and long valley slopes of outwash plain and lower submontane
and montane valley colluvium found between the peaks make up the
major portion of the province (Plate lA). This terrain occurs
adjacent and above the fossil floodplain and active floodplain
units of a number of creeks and rivers (Fig. 4). Terrain stability
classes range from fairly stable in areas on river terraces to
unstable on outwash plain underlain by ice with slopes (5-10%),
and on active solifluction of the steeper slope of the montane
and submontane colluvium. Drainage classes are mostly imperfect
or poor, except on steep slopes of gravel or rock (Fig. 4).
Eleven major vegetation types are identified on the basis of physio-
gnomy, species composition and landscape position. These encompass
14 associations as outlined in the previous section (Fig. 3) .
. 1 Wet sedge meadow (strangmoor) (Seasonal short grass meadows,
1M21).
Backswamps along most of the river systems contain sedge communities
with heath, cotton grass and sometimes widely scattered small
(to 2.5 em d.b.h. (diameter @ breast height) white spruce (Piaea
gZauca) which has a density of 720 stems/Ha. Poorly drained conditions
and thin active layers are probably responsible for the relatively
-<
{
'
PLATE IA
PLATE lD PLATE IE
PLATE IB
PLATE IC
PLATE I A: Floodplain terrain and vegetation of the Por-
cupine Plateau (Sheenjek River) with scattered peaks in the
background.
PLATE IB: Wet sedge meadow (Carex) association with
Labrador tea (Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens), alpine blueberry
(Vaccinium u/iginosum ssp . alpinum), dwarf birch (Betula nana
ssp. exilis), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea ssp. minus) and
moss (Tomenthypnum nitens) on poorly drained backswamp of
the fossil floodplain .
PLATE I C: Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) I Arctic bear-
berry (Arctostaphylos rubra) -wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia
ssp. grandiflora) association on a young river terrace along
Monument Creek.
PLATE IF
PLATE I D: White spruce (Pice a glauca) /feathermoss (Hy-
locomium splendens) association on an older and higher river ter-
race .
PLATE IE: Paper birch (Betula papyrifera)l feathermoss (Hy-
locomium splendens) association with mountain alder (Alnus
crispa ssp. crispa) and bluejoint (Calamagrostis pwpurascens and
C. canadensis) on montane and submontane valley colluvium
near the Koness River . This vegetation is an indicator of past
disturbances (fire and/or slope failures).
PLATE IF: Willow (Salix glauca var. acutifolia)l Labrador tea
(Ledum groenlandicum)-lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) as-
sociation on upland strongly rolling hills .
PLATE 2A : Mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp. in-
tegrifolia) moss (Tomenthypnum nitens) association with open
white spruce (Picea glauca) on wet, hummocky outwash
plain terrain .
PLATE 2C: Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaeassp. minus)-
alpine blueberry (Vaccinium u/iginosum ssp . a/pinum) associ-
ation with open white spruce (Picea glauca)on montane and
submontane valley colluvium and bedrock on a south ex-
posed slope.
PLATE 2E: Low willow (Salix glauca var. acutifolia) -
mountain avens (Dryas octopetala ssp. octopetala) association
on ridges, solifluction slopes and plateaus with western or
southern exposures above 760 m (2500 ft.).
PLATE 2B: Sedge (Carex membranacea)-Arctic bearberry
(Arctostaphylos rubra)lmoss (Tomenthypnum nitens) associ-
ation on deformed outwash plain. Note the abundance of
shrubs on frost-heaved hummocks.
PLATE 2D : Dwarf birch (Betula nana ssp. exilis)l feather-
moss (Hylocomium splendens) association on montane and
submontane valley colluvium above Grayling Lake.
PLATE 2F : Mountain avens (Dryas octopetala ssp. oc-
topetala)-Minuartia (Minuartia rossii) and mountain avens
(Dryas integrifo/ia ssp integrifolia)-sedge (Carex misandra)l
moss (Rhytidium rugosum) form two associations on bedrock
terrain.
ELEYATI ON
(I)
430
Terrain type:
Subtype:
Topogr apny:
Average% Slop.~:
General
Vegetation Type:
General Soi I
Prof i I e:
Soil Texture:
Drainage Class:
Terrain Stability
§
6
y
'Y
<(
<> • (If -AM.
Old slope failures
and so111e colluvial
n i 11 s
Steeply sloping
20
lnite bi rcn forest,
dwarf neatn snrub
w/wni te spruce lol ow
neath snrub
0-
LFH
10 en a r-
co a I []
20
30 0-BC
H
40 (bur-
i ed
50-cnar-
coa I)
60-
Well
3 -4
Vegetation
lni te spruce
llls11 poplar
li 1101
Ald1r
lni 11 Di rcn
Rock outcrop and
ridges
Moderately rolling
13
Low snrub herb.
alpine & sub-alpine
Dryas meadows
0-
30 BC
40
50-0 60
~-
Rapid
4 -5
to
Low and dwarf sn rubs ( hlllh, birch, willow)
Cot toni I ISS
h•11 an• IIIU
••ru
Ins an• I i Clllft
Old slope failures and some colluvial Ri lied slopes wi tn some Polygonal features
ni lis colluvium on outwash plain
Steeply sloping
20
Tall wi I low snrub.-neatn& low snrub
nea tn
0-
I 0-
We II
FHy o-
20-
II C
30-
II C
Imperfect
2 - 3
Terrain Types
FFP-tossi I flood plain
AFP-active flood plain
Strongly rolling
2D
Tall wi II ow snrub neath,
wet sedgelo low snrub
neatn
20
30 LF
I
BCgy I
50 -I
I
-·'/ice 60 -wedge
Cz
lmpe r I eel
ITY -1110ntane and subiDntane valley colluviulll·
BR -bedrock outcroppings
Level to moderately
rolling
0 -I 0
Dryas -moss -snrub
w/wnite spruce& wet
sedge meadow
20
60-
Imperfect
2 - 3
I.
2.
01 (d)SB-outwash plain with ice-rich si It and ice untie
Black swamp
Gently sloping to
I eve I
Wet sedge meadow
Of
30
Cg
40-
50-Cz
60
Poor
Teroain Stabilitl
Very unstable
Unstable
5. Stab I e
fl SURE 4. Stylized landscape profile with terrain. vegetation and soil
types in tne Intern Porcupine Plateau Physiolrapnic Province
3.
4.
High and low river
terraces
Depressional .to level
Wnite spruce forest &
balsam poplar forest
0-
LFH
10 .. , .... " .........
20
30 sand
buried
LFH
CObble
Unstable with
d.i sturbance
Fairly stable
slow tree growth. These areas are represented by a sedge (Carex
bigeZowii -C~ex ~a~iflo~a -C~ex saxatilis Zaxa) association
(e.g. stand 8 in cluster #10, Fig. 3).
Other species with high prominence include northern Labrador
47
tea (Ledum palust~e deaumbens), alpine blueberry (Vaaainium
uliginosum alpinum), dwarf birch (Betula nana exilis), lingonberry
(Vaaainium vitis-idaea minus) and moss (Tomenthypnum nitens)
(Plate lB) .
• 2 Balsam poplar forests (Winter-deciduous orthophyll forest,
1A21).
Balsam poplar (Populus balsamife~a) forms deciduous forest communities
on many of the younger (low and middle) river terraces. This
community occurs along the Koness and Sheenjek rivers and Mounment
Creek. Balsam poplar may also occur with willow and alder which
colonize newly deposited river bars forming a shrub community.
Balsam poplar is eventually replaced by white spruce if spring
floods do not inundate the area too severely. The association
of Populus balsamife~a/A~atostaphylos ~ub~a -Py~oza ~outundifolia
g~andiflo~a represents the more mature forest sites (Plate lC).
Other important species at these sites include white spruce,
prickly rose (Rosa aaiaula~is), river beauty (Epilobium Zatifolium),
polar grass (A~atag~ostis latifolia latifolia) and willow (Salix aZax-
ensis Zongistylis). Density of balsam poplar is 440 stems/Ha with an
average d.b.h. range of 10 to 15 em. White spruce has the highest
density with 1640 stems/Ha, but most of the trees have a d.b.h.
~ -~~------~-~-~---------~
48
of less than 5 em (Appendix 4, stand 14) . Both polar grass and
river beauty represent remnants from earlier stages in a successional
sere and usually decrease in abundance at sites where white spruce
has a greater percentage cover .
. 3 White spruce forests (Resinous evergreen narrow sclerophyll
forest, 1A17 (a)).
Older terraces along the same river systems contain well developed
stands of white spruce which are depicted by the Piaea glauaa/Hyloao-
mium splendens association (Plate lD). Balsam poplar and willow
(Salix glauaa aautifolia) are included in the tree and tall shrub
strata and lupine (Lupinus aratiaus) and wintergreen (PyPola Potundi-
folia gPandifloPa), together with feathermoss form a dense ground
cover. Prickly rose may still exist where the stand is more open.
Density of white spruce is 760 stems/Ha with an average d.b.h.
range of 20 to 25 em. Diameters range from 2.5 to 45 em. Willow
density of 120 stems/Ha is composed of specimens below 2.5 em
d.b.h. (Appendix 4, stand 13) .
. 4 White birch forests OWinter-deciduous orthophyll forest, 1A21).
Sites on old slope failures on montane and submontane valley colluvium
support mature white birch forests. The degree to which white
birch is dominant depends on the amount of time since the failure,
since white spruce slopes, eventually occupy these sites, especially
if south exposed. Terrain types include montane and submontane
valley colluvium. The sites are represented by a paper birch
and feathermoss (Betula papyPifePa/Hyloaomium splendens) association
with mountain alder (Alnus arispa arispa), lingonberry, reed bent
grass and bluejoint (Calamagrostis purpurasaens and C. aanadensis)
occurring as sub-dominants (Plate lE). White birch, mostly between
5 and 10 an d.b.h., were found to have densities ranging from
1320 to. 3200_st~ms/Ha. __ D~sities usua1ly d~c.:r~as~ with_s:I,Qpe
and elevation on sites of comparable age since disturbance. Young
white spruce had densities up to 960 stems/Ha with most d.b.h.s
below 8 an. Alder also is more abundant with higher densities
(2400/Ha) on the steeper slopes and younger surfaces (Appendix
49
4, stands 9 and 10). This vegetation type can also be found on
slopes that have been burned, especially those with south exposures .
. 5 Tall willow -heath shrub QMesophyllous deciduous orthophyll
scrub, 1B21 (a))
Many of the upland areas, especially those with N, NE or NW exposures
contain a tall shrub -heath community represented by a willow,
Labrador tea and lingonberry (Salix galuaa aautifolia/Ledum groenlandiaum -
Vaaainium vitis-idaea minus) association (Plate lF). This vegetation
type occurs predominantly on montane and submontane valley colluvium
on strongly rolling slopes between 450 and 600 m elevation. Other
important species include dwarf birch (Betula glandulosa), crowberry
(Empetrum nigrum hermaphroditum), moss (Auloaomnium turgidum),
lichen (Peltigera aphthosa) and alpine blueberry. Trees and shrubs
over 1 m in height consist of white birch with 3124 stems/Ha,
willow with 1200 stems/Ha and dwarf birch with 760 stems/Ha, all
of which have a high percentage of stems in the small d.b.h. size
classes (Appendix 4, stand 6).
so
. 6 Mountain avens -moss -shrub with open white spruce (Evergreen
narrow-sclerophyll low savanna, 1Jl3).
MUch of the area between the upland plateaus and river systems
contains a medium tall shrub vegetation with widely scattered
white spruce .. The outwash plain terrain type is usually l~vel
to moderately rollin~ with abundant ground water in evidence throughout
June. The density of both white spruce (2200/Ha) and the taller
shrubs (willow and alder) varies since they are restricted somewhat
to the higher frost heaved areas. The majority of white spruce
are below 2 . 5 em d. b. h. (Appendix 4) . White spruce and willow
are absent in the depressional areas which are more common closer
to the river systems. The vegetation is typified by a mountain
avens/moss (Dryas integrifolia integrifolia/Tomenthypnum nitens)
associated with sedge (Eobresia simpliciuscula), Arctic bearberry
(Arctostaphylos rubra), sedge (Carex aquatilis), horsetail (Equisetum
arvense) and moss (Dicranum acutifolium~ Scorpidium turgescens)
as important associates (Plate 2A) .
. 7 Dwarf heath -sedge wetland ~icrophyllous evergreen dwarf
heath, 1Cl2 (c)).
A wet sedge -low shrub vegetation is interspersed with the last
described avens -moss -shrub type to form the bulk of the vegetation
mosaic across the lowland areas of the Porcupine Physiographic
Province. The terrain is mostly of deformed outwash plain and
fossil floodplain with a nearly level to depressional topography.
A sedge -Arctic bearberry/moss (Carex membranacea -Arctostaphylos
51
rubra/Tomenthypnum nitens) association typifies the vegetation.
Other important species include bog rosemary (Andromeda poZifoZia),
willow (SaZix glauaa aautifoZia), sedge (Carex rariflora), rush
(Triahophorum aaespitosum austriaaum) and moss (Rhytidium rugosum)
(Plate 2B) .
. 8 Dwarf heath shrub with open white spruce (Evergreen narrow
sclerophyll low savanna, 1J13).
An open white spruce vegetation type with a dwarf shrub understory
is exemplified by a lingonberry and alpine blueberry (Vaaainium
vitis-idaea minus -V. uliginosum alpinum) association
Dwarf birch (Betula nana exilis), spring beauty (Claytonia aautifolia
graminifolia), crowberry (Empetrum nigrum hermaphroditum), moss
(Rhytidium rugosum) and lichen (Stereoaaulon grande, Cladonia
spp.) are also important with white spruce (Plate 2C). The vegetation
type covers a number of well drained south slopes on montane and
submontane valley colluvium at about 650 m and also appears on
some of the ridges at subalpine elevations (500 -650 m) in the
physiographic region. This association may represent a quasi-
climax of the white spruce forest vegetation type since those
stands sampled are usually at least 150 years old. White spruce
density is 960 stems/Ha with sizes well distributed from 1 m tall
to 25 em d.b.h. and a majority between 5 and 15 em (Appendix 4,
stands 2 and 6).
52
.9 Low heath -shrub QMicrophyllous evergreen dwarf heath, 1Cl2
(c) and evergreen narrow sclerophyll low savanna, 1Jl3).
Dense low-shrub communities cover many of the rolling hills and
upland areas on montane and submontane valley colluvilDil. This
vegetation type is exemplified by a dwarf birch and feathermoss
(BetuZa nana exiZis/HyZoaomium spZendens) association, with scattered
white spruce, and alpine blueberry, lingonberry, willow (SaZix
gZauaa aautifoZia), northern Labrador tea (Ledum paZust~e deaumbens)
and moss (AuZoaomnium t~gidum~ PoZyt~iahum aommune) appearing
as important subdominants (Plate 2D). It is most common on moderately
rolling topography and was found on different exposures at 500 -
700 m. White spruce density ranges from 2020 to 3080 stems/Ha
(Appendix 4, stand 4) . Most of the trees have a d. b. h. of less
than 2. 5 em. Dwarf birch and mountain alder over 1 m in height
have densities of 880 and 720/Ha respectively .
. 10 Low shrub-herb meadows (Seasonal orthophyll meadows, 1M21).
Alpine areas between 600 and 650 m contained shrub meadows which
are represented by a low willow and mountain avens (SaZix gZauaa
aautifoZia/D~yas oatopetaZa oatopetaZa) association (Plate ZE).
Ridges, solifluction slopes and plateaus with western or southern
exposures· are most often associated with this vegetation type.
Other species of importance include dwarf birch (BetuZa nana exiZis),
crowberry, lupine (Lupinus a~atiaus), sedge (C~ex aapiZZ~is)
and moss (Rhytidium rugosum).
.11 Alpine and subalpine Dryas meadows (Deciduous orthophyll dwarf
scrub, 1C21 (a) and seasonal short grass meadows, IM21).
Two species of mountain avens fonn a matrix of typical alpine
tundra on the higher ridges and peaks. Two associations with
minuartia, sedge and moss (Dryas oatopetaZa oatopetaZa/Minuartia
rossii; Dryas integrifoZia integrifoZia -Carex misandra/Rhytidium
rugosum) typify a major portion of the alpine vegetation between
700 and 760 m with the first association being restricted to the
higher plateaus (Plate 2F). Lupine, polar grass (Aratagrostis
ZatifoZia ZatifoZia), prickly saxifraga (Saxifraga triauspidata),
sedge (Carex m~mbranaaea) and moss (Rhizoaarpon aonaentriaum)
occur as subdominants in the first association and lupine, dwarf
willow (Salix gZauaa aautifoZia) and moss {HyZoaomium spZendens)
in the second. Although most of the area is categorized as a
bedrock terrain colluvium, plateaus and solifluction lobed slopes
are found in the area.
5.3.2 Southern Foothills Physiographic Province
Terrain types include bedrock outcrops, montane and submontane
colluvium, old hummocky moraine and fossil and active floodplains
(AAGSC, 1974). A mixture of bedrock outcropping and montane and
submontane colluvium occurs on the peaks and includes most alpine
tundra conditions. Montane and submontane colluvium with old
moraine deposits covering most of the interior valleys constitute
a large portion of the province (Fig. 5). Drainage conditions
53
range from rapid to poor with the poor and imperfect classes occurring
54
more frequently on the old moraine terrain. The bedrock and colluvial
terrain are usually found to be well drained, but poor drainage
was common on the plateaus and solifluction terraces on side slopes
(Fig. 5).
Land stability was assessed as unstable for areas with active
solifluction slopes and hummocky frost heaved areas underlain
by pennafrost in the old moraine terrain type. The two unstable
classes (2 and 3) are applied to areas showing natural instability
which usually have silty soils, permafrost and slopes > 5% (Fig.
5).
Low shrub forms are the most abundant of the fairly diverse array
of vegetation types which occur in this area. Six major types
of vegetation with 12 associations are identified for this province .
. 1 Low heath-shrub (Evergreen narrow_-sclerophyll low savanna,
1Jl3).
An association of Betula nana exilis -Vaaainium uliginosum alpinum
typifies a dwarf birch-alpine blueberry shrub with scattered white
spruce (Plate 3A). The vegetation appears on deformed lateral
and end moraines, especially on south exposed slopes adjacent
to the fossil floodplain (760 m) and on rounded hills (to 850 m)
submontane valley with colluvium also more frequently having south
exposures. This vegetation type alternates with sedge -horsetail
and/or alder, willow shrub vegetation to form the striped horsetail
drainage pattern which occurs more frequently in the eastern part
1525
Elevation
(m)
Terrain Type: BA & MTV
Suo-type: rock ndges. terraces and solifluction slopes
Topography: moderately rolling
Average % slope: II
General vegetation type: Alpine open dwarf shruo-sedge, wet sedge meadow w/ shrubs &
low shruo-moss meadow
General soi I profile: MTV s i It over MTV
LFH
I 0 Bmj Of
c::::::'
20 20 Of y
30 IIC 30 BCgy
40 40 -
50 50 -//
//
Cg
60 -60
Soi I texture:
Drainae:e class: Rapid Poor
Terrain stability class:
he:eta t ion
~ lhi te spruce
<> White birch
" li I low
<> Low and dwarf shrubs (hellh, birch, wi I low)
• Cottonerns
( ( Sid II and 1 r us
MN. Nubs
filii\. loSS I nd I i Chin FIGURE 5.
fHV
rounded s I opes
gently rolling
Oil FFP -AFP
river
terraces &
oackswamps
OM
hummocky organic moraine
gently rolling
MTV
r i II ed &
rounded slopes
gently rolling
Low heath and wi I low Low Low heath & Low shruo heath .. 1 ow heath & wi I low Low heath
shruo heath & wi I low shruo shruo& wet sedge meadows with shruos wi I low shruo &
wi II OW
0 -o-LFH 0 -
c
II 10 10 Lf • II C
IDC
20 -20 -
30 -BCgy 30 -
40 -
c2 50 -
60 60
lmpe r feet Poor We II
Terrain Types
OM s i It over MTV
0 -
Of 10 -Lf
BC~0
BC&Y
30
Cgy
40 -
c2
c2
Poor Imperfect
3 - 2
Terrain stability
wet sedge
meadow.
I 0 ~0 20 oo
30
40-
50
60
Imperfect
BR: bedrock outcroppings L hry unstable 3. Unstable with
disturbance MTV: 111ontane and sub111ontane valley colluviulll
OM: old hu•ocky moraine with si It mantle
FFP: fossi I flood plain
2. Unstable 4. Fairly stable
AFP: active flood plain
StyliZid landscape profile with terrain veeetallon
and soil types in the Southtrn Foothills Physiolraphic
r rov i nee
5. Stable
Soil Horizon Oesienations
LF
BCgy
C2
,j
PLATE 3A
PLATE 3C
PLATE 3E
PLATE 3G
PLATE 3B
PLATE 3D
PLATE 3F
PLATE 3A: Dwarfbirch (Betulananassp. exilis)-
alpine blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum ssp.
alpinum)association with open white spruce (Picea
glimca)on old moraine and submontane valley col -
luvium .
PLATE 38: Dwarf birch (Betula nanassp. exilis)-
alpine blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum ssp.
alpinum) association with willow (Salix glauca var.
glauca) at higher elevations on submontane col-
luvium of rounded gentle slopes of the interior
valley plateau.
PLATE 3C: Closed low willow (Salix planifolia
ssp. pulchra)-sweet coltsfoot (Petasitesfrigidus)as-
sociation on intermountain valleys with cross
drainage from surrounding slopes.
PLATE 30: Netted willow (Sa li x reticular a ssp.
reticulata)l feathermoss (Hylocomium splendens)as -
sociation on the montane valley colluvium bet-
ween the islands of bedrock outcroppings on gen-
tle rolling hills. Sedge (Carex bigelowii) is responsi-
ble for the meadow physiognomy.
PLATE 3E : Netted willow (Salix reticulata ssp.
reticu lata)l feathermoss (Hylocomium sp lendens)as-
sociation with sedge (Carex bigelowii) and willow
(Sa li x glauca var. acutifolia) on poorly drained
hummocky slopes on subalpine colluvium.
PLATE 3F: !.,ow willow (Salix planifolia ssp.
pulchra)-sedge (Cm·ex bigelowii) feathermoss (Hy-
locomium sp lendens) association with cotton grass
(Eriophorum va ginatum) on a level poorly drained
solifluction plateau .
PLATE 3G: Open mountain avens (Dryas ac-
ropetal a ssp. oc topetala) -Minuartia (Minuartia
rossii)association with lichen (Aiectoria tenuis)on a
fellfield plateau.
of the province on rounded hills. Netted willow (Salix retiaulata
retiaulata), mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia integrifolia),
55
Lapland cassiope (Cassiope tetragona), horsetail (Equisetum sairpoides)
and moss (Diaranum aautifolium) occur as important associates
with the dominant species. White spruce density is relatively
low with 240 stems/Ha, although a few trees are up to 30 em d.h.h.
Dwarf birch shrubs over 1 m in height have the highest density
with 1120 stems/Ha (Appendix 4, stand 26) .
. 2 Low heath and willow shrub (Deciduous orthophyll scrub, 1B21
and microphyllous evergreen dwarf heath scrub, 1Cl2 (c)).
Four associations are included in this vegetation type which covers
much of the interior valleys on old hummocky moraine and montane
and submontane valley colluvium. A dwarf birch and alpine blueberry
(Betula nana exilis/Vaaainium uliginosum alpinum) association
typifies vegetation at higher elevations (850 m) (2590 ft.) on
submontane colluvium of rounded moderate to steep slopes with
north and northeast exposures (Plate 3B). More important associated
species include netted willow (Salix retiaulata retiaulata), willow
(S. glauaa glauaa) Lapland cassiope, Arctic bearberry (Aratostaphylos
rubra) and sedge (Carex amblyorhynaha). Dwarf birch and willow
over 1 m in height have densities of 2280 stems/Ha ·and 1320 stems/Ha
respectively (Appendix 4, stand 23).
A closely related dwarf birch and feathermoss (Betula nana exilis/Hyloao-
mium splendens) with cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum vaginatum)
association represents the shrub vegetation on wetter sites (flat
56
or depressional areas) again at about 850 m (2590 ft.). The
abundance of cotton grass and sedge (Carex bigelowii) is indica-
tive of the increase in soil moisture. Other important species
include willow (Salix glauca acutifolia, S. glauca glauca) and
Lapland cassiope.
An association of netted willow, mountain avens and moss (Salix
reticulata reticulata/Dryas integrifolia integrifolia/Tomenthypnum
nitens) represents shrub vegetation on the knolls and slopes of
gently rolling hills on old hummocky moraine terrain. This associa-
tion also occurs on the fossil floodplains. Tall willow (Salix
planifolia pulchra) occurs in clumps on slightly raised hummocks
and has a density of only 840 stems/Ha. Much of the dwarf birch
and willow are below 1 m in height and are not included in density
measurements. Horsetail (Equisetum scirpoides) and moss, including
Hylocomium splendens are more abundant in depressions between
hummocks. Other important species include willow (Salix glauca
glauca) and sedge (Carex bigelowii).
An association of low willow and sweet coltsfoot (Salix planifoZia
pulchra/Petasites frigidus) represents a denser vegetation of
the higher (1000 -1500 m) (3300 -4800 ft.) intermountain valleys
(Plate 3C). Gently rolling hills having cross drainage from surrounding
slopes with various exposures support this association. Sedge
(Carex bigelowii), Jacob's ladder (Polemonium acutifZorum) and
feathermoss (Hylocomium splendens) are also abundant.
.3 Low shrub -moss meadow (Deciduous orthophyll dwarf scrub,
1C21 (a)).
An association of netted willow and feathermoss (SaZix retiauZata
retiauZata/HyZoa0 mium spZendens) represents typical alpine meadow
tundra (Plate 3D). Other species include a low willow (SaZix
57
gZauaa aautifoZia and s. aratiaa), sedge (Carex bigeZowii), lousewort
(PediauZaris aapitata), sweet coltsfoot (Petasites frigidus) and
bistort (PoZygonum bistorta pZumosum). This vegetation type covers
much of the montane valley colluvium between the islands of bedrock
outcropping on the gentle rolling hills between 1200 and 1350
m (3900-4500 ft.). The type is more widely distributed on north
and east exposures and extends to a lower elevation on the gentler
topography .
. 4 Dwarf shrub-sedge meadow (Deciduous orthophyll dwqrf scrub,
1C241 (a)).
A similar type of alpine to subalpine vegetation is found at slightly
lower elevations (1150 -1200 m) (3700 -3900 ft.) or on more
level and, hence in this case, poorly drained areas. An association
of netted willow and feathermoss (SaZix retiauZata retiauZata/HyZoaomium
spZendens) with high prominence of sedge (Carex bigeZowii) exemplifies
the vegetation type (Plate 3E). Other important species include
low willow (SaZix gZauaa aautifoZia), cordate-leaved saxifrage
(Saxifraga punatata neZsoniana), connnon horsetail (Equisetum arvense),
cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum vaginatum). and mosses (AuZoaomn·ium
turgidum, Tomenthypnum nitens).
58
.5 Wet sedge meadow with scattered shrubs (Seasonal short grass
meadows, IM21 and decid~ous orthophyll shrub savanna, 1K21).
The vegetation type is composed of two associations, both with
an abundance of sedge. An association of low willow, sedge and
feathermoss (SaZix pZanifoZia puZa~a/Carex bigeZowii/HyZoaomium
spZendens) occurs on plateaus at 1200 -1280 m (3900 -4200 ft.)
(Plate 3F). These areas are adjacent to higher ridges and bedrock
outcroppings containing snowbeds from which water is supplied
at least through June. Other dominant species include cotton
grass (Eriophorum vaginatum vaginatum) netted willow (SaZix retiauZata
retiauZata), mountain sorrel (Oxyria digyna), cordate-leaved saxifrage
(Saxifraga punatata neZsoniana) and moss (AuZoaomium turgidum).
The other association of Lapland cassiope and sedge (Cassiope
tetragona -Carex bigeZowii) occupies similar sites at slightly
lower elevations (1150 -1250 m) (3700 -4100 ft.) and gentler
slopes which are not as well drained. Other important species
include willow (SaZix gZauaa aautifoZia), bistort (PoZygonum viviparum),
lousewort (PediauZaris aapitata), mountain avens (Dryas oatopetaZa
oatopetaZa) and mosses (AuZoaomnium turgidum3 HyZoaomium spZendens) .
. 6 Alpine open dwarf shrub -sedge QMicrophyllous deciduous desert
scrub, 3B21).
Rocky ridges and plateaus exhibit open, poorly developed blockfield
and fellfield areas (Plate 3G). Two associations of mountain
59
avens and dwarf willow are embodied by the vegetation type. A
mountain avens and minuartia (Dryas octopetaZa octopetaZa -Minuartia
rossii) association represents frost shattered rock ridges, saddles
and slopes at 1300 -1350 m. This association is especially prominent
on south aspects. Other major species include netted willow (SaZix
reticuZata reticuZata), holy grass (HierochZoe paucifZora), loco-
weed (Oxytropis nigrescens pygmaea), mustard (Braya humiZus) and
lichen (AZectoria tenuis).
The other association of netted willow and sedge (SaZix.reticuZata
reticuZata -Carex saxitiZus Zaxa) occurs on similar sites, but
may be a better developed entitiy with more plant cover, especially
on small plateaus below ridges and slight depressions which are
apparently protected from high winds by adjacent ridges. Hbly
grass (HierochZoe aZpina), minuartia (Minuartia rossii), mosses
(PoZytrichum piZiferum3 Rhizocarpon geographicum) and lichen (UmbiZi-
cara proboscidea) are also prominent.
5.3.3 Brooks Range Physiographic Province
The Brooks Range encompasses the largest portion of the study
area and contains the most topographic diversity. Sample location
elevations range from 430 to 1680 m (1400 -5500 ft.) and only a
few plant species extended beyond 2050 m (6700 ft.). A typical
area of the province is illustrated in Plate 4A. Bedrock and
-------------
60
montane and submontane colluvium are the most abundant terrain
types. Other types include talus slopes, alluvial fan deposits,
alpine glacial moraine deposits and active and fossil floodplains.
all of which are most abundant along the lower side slopes and
floors of the valleys and basins (Fig. 6). Stability ranges from
very unstable on talus slopes to fairly stable on gentle slopes
of some alluvial fan deposits. A number of the steeper (15%)
mountain slopes show active solifluction processes and hence are
placed in the unstable ·category with wet, ice-rich depressional
areas of alluvial fan deposits. Slope failures are noticeable
in much of the area, especially where colluvium is overlain by
silts, or where cross-drainage occurs from above (Fig. 6).
Eleven major vegetation types are identified for the physiographic
province and include 25 associations. Low and dwarf willow shrub
tundra and alpine heath -Dryas meadows are the most widespread
vegetation types. Many of the major types are composed of samples
from a variety of sites with elevational or latitudinal difference,
but equatibility of the environment is usually reflected by compensating
differences in factors such as aspect, slope and substrate, and
similarity of species composition .
. 1 Riparian willow shrub ~esophyllous deciduous orthophyll scrub,
1B21 (a)).
Four associations with a tall shrub strata are grouped in this
vegetation type which occurs frequently on active and fossil floodplains
between 430 and 750 m (1400-2460 ft.). A felt-leaf willow,
PLATE 4A: Typical landscape of the wider valleys in the
Brooks Range with floodplains, deformed lateral moraine
and colluvial slopes with some evidence of slope failures.
PLATE 4C : Felt-leaf willow (Salix alaxensis ssp. alaxensis)l
Arctic bearberry (Arctostaphylos rubra)-wintergreen (Pyrola
rotundifolia ssp. grandiflora) association on older stream ter-
race on fossil floodplain near the Marshfork of the Canning
River.
PLATE 4E: Low willow (Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra -S.
reticulata ssp. reticulata)l moss (Tomenthypnum nitens) associ-
ation on high stable river terrace of Okerokovik River.
PLATE 4B: Felt-leaf willow (Salix alaxensis ssp. alaxensis)
feathermoss/ (Hylocomium splendens) association on active
and fossil floodplains near Cache Creek.
PLATE 4D: Mixed willow (Salix alaxensis ssp. alaxensis -
S. planifolia ssp. pulchra)l mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia
var. integrifolia) association on young river terrace of
Marshfork of the Canning River.
PLATE 4F: Arctic bearberry (Arctostaphylos rubra) -win-
tergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia ssp. grandiflora) association with
open balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) on topographically
protected river terrace near Cache Creek.
PLATE 5A : White spruce (Picea glauca)l feathermoss (Hy -
locomium splendens) association on high terrace near the
Chandalar River and Cane Creek junction.
PLATE 5C: Mountain avens (Dry as integrifolia ssp . in-
tegrifolia)-sedge (Carex bige lowii) association with scattered
white spruce (Picea glau ca) on alpine moraine above the
Chandalar R.
PLATE 5E: Willow (Salix plan(folia ssp . pulchra) -netted
willow (Salix reti cula ta ssp. reti culata)lmoss (Tom enthypnum
nitens) association on colluvium of mountain slopes in the
Romanzof Mtns .
PLATE 58 : Dwarf birch (Betula nana ssp. exilis) -alpine
blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum ssp . alpinum) and dwarf
birch (Betula nana ssp . exilis)lfeathermoss (Hy/ocomium
splendens) form the two associations found on bedrock and
colluvium terrain types with south exposures at high eleva-
tions (1300 m).
PLATE 5D: Netted willow (Salix reticulata ssp. reticulata)-
mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp . integrifolia)lmoss
(Tomenthypnum nitens) association on depressional area bet-
ween active floodplains and adjacent mountain slopes of the
Romanzof Mtns. (Okerokovik River).
PLATE SF : Willow (Salix glau ca var. acutifolia) -Arctic
bearberry (Arctostaph y los rubra) -alpine blueberry (Vac-
cinium uliginosum ssp. alpinum) association on an old slope
failure near the Marshfork of the Canning River.
PLATE 6A: Mountain avens (D1yas integrifolia ssp in-
tegrifolia) !moss (Tomenthypnum nitens) association with
willow (Salix glauca var. acutifolia and S. rotundifolia ssp.
dodgeneana) on stable backswamp depressions along the
Canning R.
PLATE 6C: Mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp. in-
tegrifolia)-Lapland cassiope (Cassiope tetragona) association
on the more stable well drained morainic slopes above the
Marshfork of the Canning R .
_______ PLATE _6E:_ Mountain-avens. (Dryas integrifo/ia ssp. in-
tegrifolia) -sedge (Carex scirpoidea) and mountain avens
(Dryas integrifolia ssp. integrifo/ia)lmoss (Tomenthypnum
nitens) associations on well drained upland meadows on col-
luvium terrain near the Marshfork of the Canning R.
PLATE 68: Sedge (Carex membranacea)-Arctic bearberry
(Arctostaphylos rubra)l moss (Tomenthypnum nitens) associ-
ation on imperfectly drained sites on plateaus above the
floodplains of the Ivishak R.
PLATE 6D: Mountain avens (D1yas integrifo/ia ssp. in-
tegrifolia) I moss(Rhytidium rugosum) association with Lap-
land cassiope (Cassiope tetragona) on rocky upland slopes on
colluvium terrain above Cane Creek.
PLATE 6F : Mountain avens (Dryas integrifo/ia ssp. in-
tegrifolia) -sedge (Carex misandra) association on alpine
moraine next to the fossil floodplain in the Canning R. area.
PLATE 7A
PLATE 7C
PLATE 7E
PLATE 7B
PLATE 7D
PLATE 7 A: Mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp. in-
teg rifo/ia)-Lapland cassiope (Cassiope tetragona)association
with felt-leaf willow (Salix alaxensis ssp . alaxensis) on lower
well drained sites on the fossil floodplain near the
Marsh fork of the Canning R.
PLATE 78 : Mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp. in-
tegrifo/ia)l moss (Rhytidium rugosum) association on rocky
substrate of alpine moraine, old alluvial deposits from side
valleys and colluvial slopes near the Marshfork of the Can-
ning R.
PLATE 7C: Mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp . in-
tegrifolia) /moss (Rhytidium rugosum) association with
lichens (Cetraria niva/is, C. commixtra and Icmadophila
ericetorum) on rocky substrate on high colluvial slopes above
the Ivishak R .
PLATE 7D: Mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp. in-
tegrifolia)-moss campion (Silene acaulis ssp. acaulis) associ-_
ation on gentle and deformed lateral moraine above Cane
Creek.
PLATE 7E: Netted willow (Salix reticulata ssp. reticulata)-
sedge (Carex microcha eta)lmoss (Rhacomitrium lanuginosum)
association on high rocky solifluction slopes above the Can-
ning R.
Elevation
(Ill)
Terrain Type:
Sub-type:
Topog r apny:
Average l> ·slope:
General vegetation
type:
1680
430
BR & ITY TS F & AFP
rock ridges, terraces and river
CO II UV i Ulll terraces
hi II y steeply near I y
sloping I eve I
28 35
Alpine neatn-Dryas Meadow, Willow Iii low
low & dwarf wi !low shrub tundra, snrub & snrub
low bircn snrub, alpine Dryas sedge
sedge meadows and a! pine dwa r 1 meadow
snrub I icnen tel !fields
General soil profile:
Soil texture:
Drainage class:
Terrain stabi I i ty
c I ass:
20
Dm
IIC
50
60-
Rapid Yery Poor Jell
Yegetat ion
~ In i te s~ ruce
0 111 sa111 ~op 1 a r
" Ji II OW
0 Low lo dwarf snrubs (neath, bi rcn, wi I low)
.. COttOnl!rass
C( S.dee lo 1 ra ss
Mlv Herbs
V\1\ loss lo I i en ens
0
Well
3 -4
AFD BR & ITY
convex rock outr.rops, solifluction terraces and
slope colluviual slopes
gent I y strongly rolling
sloping
28
Low & dwa r I
wi II ow
shrub &
low & dwarf
w i II ow
Subalpine Dryas -snrub, alpine sedge meadows,
alpine neath -Dryas meadows, low and dwarf
willow snrub, low birch shrub&alpine Dryas-
sedge meadows ..
sn rub
lund ra
Of
10
Om 20
50
60
Poor Jell
Terrain Types
BR: Bedrock outcrop~ings
MTY: montane & submontane
TS: talus slope
30
AC
40
Rapid
2 - 3
F & AFP: fossil and active flood plain
AFD: alluvial tan deposit
AMX: alpine glacial moraine deposits
An
Any
Jell
AIX/AFD
irregular hills and
depressions
gently rolling
Alpine sedge meadows,
low bi rcn snrub and
alpine Dryas meadows
and barrens
D--
10-
2D-
"'6'6
()00
ooo oao Co
31}. oo ooc::.
oo th 6o
oo0
Poor Well
2 - 3
F & AFP
river terraces
nearly level
R i pa r ian w i I I ow
and bearberry -
nerb & balsam
pop I a r
D-FH • • a •ocJ
• o •o •o o
AC 10 ~:::~·:>:·. ~~~~.. • • o•
20 II
30-
4D-
5D-
6D-
We II
3 -4
Terrain Stability
I. Very unstable 3. Unstab I e wi tn
disturbance
2. Unstable 4 .. Fairly stable
5 .. Stable
FIGURE 6. Sty! ized landscape profile wi tn terrain vegetation and soi I
types in the Brooks Range Pnysiograpnic Province.
MTY
so IiI I.
terraces &
colluvial
s I opes
strong I y
ro IIi ng
20
White
spruce.
alpine
neath -
Dryas &
a I pine
Dryas
meadows &
barrens.
6G
Imperfect
61
feathermoss (Salix alaxensis alaxensis/Hylocomium splendens) associa-
tion represents vegetation from older river terraces which have
been stable long enough for the development of a dense tall shrub
stratum (Plate 4B). Other prominent species include soapberry
(Shepherdia canadensis) and Arctic bearberry (Arctostaphylos rubra)
mostly below 700 m (2300 ft.), and common horsetail (Equisetum
arvense), brome grass (~omus pumpellianus arcticus), and mosses
(Brachythecium turgidum~ Onocophorum wahlenbergii~ Distichium
capilZaceum). Widely scattered balsam poplar may occur at same
sites, especially below 760 m (2500 ft.). An association of Arctic
bearberry and wintergreen with felt-leaf willow (Salix alaxensis
alaxensis/Arctostaphylos rubra-Pyrola rotundifolia grandiflora)
occupies older stream terrace sites at elevations from 760 to
1040 m (Plate 4C). The vegetation is typified by a dense mat
of Arctic bearberry, but other typical species include soapberry,
willow (Salix arbusculoides) brome grass-and mosses (Hylocomium
splendens~ Thuidium abietinum). Balsam poplar occurs at sites
representing the more southern portion of the province at the
lower elevations (760 m).
Younger t~rra~es are represented by a mixedwillow cmd mcnmtain
avens (Salix alaxensis alaxensis -S. planifolia pulchra/Dryas
integrifolia integrifolia) association (Plate 4D). Bare gravelly
areas were still in evidence at these sites and ground cover was
heavier beneath the taller willows. Species with high prominence
also include Arctic bearberry, hedysarum (Hedysarum alpinum americanum),
62
loco-weed (Oxytropis borealis) and moss (Ditrichum flexicaule).
Willow of up to 10 em d.b.h. has a density of 5000 to 7500 stems/Ha
in these sites and gives an indication of the closed nature of
tall shrub stratum (Appendix 4, stands 63 and 66).
Stable river terraces in the northern portion of the province
contains a low willow and moss (Salix planifolia pulchra -s.
reticulata reticulata/Tomenthypnum nitens) association_ (Plate 4E).
Examples of the vegetation occur in the Arctic Foothills and Arctic
Coastal Plain. However, the prominence of some species, including
bistort (Polygonum bistorta plumosum) and a dwarf willow (Salix
arctophila), usually increases at the higher elevations. None
of t~e shrubs are over 1 m in height.
The greater age of these more stable terraces is reflected by
an increase in the amount of ground cover of such species as alpine
bearberry and wintergreen at higher elevations, and feathermoss
(Hylocomium splendens) at low elevations or more southernly exposures .
. 2 Arctic bearberry -herb with open balsam poplar (Deciduous
dwarf scrub with trees, 1F21).
An association of Arctic bearberry and wintergreen (Arctostaphylos
rubra -Pyrola rotundifolia grandiflora) with batsam poplar represents
a restricted vegetation type found only on protected river terraces
(Plate 4F). The vegetation in many instances indicates the presence
of a nearby perennial spring or underground water flow. Other
associated species include soapberry (Shepherdia canadensis),
63
brome grass (BPomus pumpellianus), river beauty (Epilobium latifoZium),
larkspur (Delphinium bPachycentPum) and groundsel (Senecio Pesedifolius).
These four species are indicative of a relatively early stage
of the successional sere even though balsam poplar has formed
a forest physiognomy. Balsam poplar has an average density of
1016 stems/Ha with a d.b.h. range of 2.5 to 30 em. The lowest
category found was in the tree category of 2.5 to 5 em (Appendix
4, stand 77) .
. 3 White spruce forest (woodland terrace) (Resinous evergreen
narrow sclerophyll forest, 1A17 (a)).
A white spruce and feathermoss (Picea glauca/Hylocomium splendens)
association is prevalent on high terraces on most of the river
systems to about 850 m (2800 ft.) elevation in the southern portion
of the Brooks Range (to about Red Sheep Creek on the Chandalar
River) (Plate SA). The vegetation probably represents the end
of a successional sere and hence a stable state (within a relative
·time period). Other prominent species include Arctic bearberry,
sedge (CaPex bigelowii), crowberry (EmpetPum nigrum hePmaphPoditum),
horsetail (Equisetum sciPpoides) and moss (Aulocomnium tUPgidum).
White spruce has a density of 2480 stems/Ha, mostly below 10 em
- - -- - ------------------
d.b.h., although a few trees have diameters of 35 em. A few willow
(Salix glauca acutifolia) have d.b.h.s up to 5 em (Appendix 4,
stand 96).
-------------------~--------------~--------------------------------------------~--------------------------------
64
.4 Low birch shrub QMicrophyllous deciduous orthophyll scrub,
1B21 (b) and microphyllous evergreen dwarf heath, 1Cl2 (c)).
Two associations of low birch, alpine blueberry and feathermoss
(Betula nana exilis -Vaaainium uliginosum alpine and Betula nana
exiZis/Hyloaomium splendens) represent a widespread low shrub
vegetation.
The birch -heath vegetation is best developed and most extensive
on bedrock and colluvium terrain types, especially on south exposures
between 950 and 1300 m (3100 -4300 ft.) elevation (Plate 5B).
The birch and feathermoss association represents a more mesic
site on an old river terrace. Associated species include netted
willow (Salix retiaulata retiaulata), Lapland cassiope, sedge
(Carex maaroahaeta) and moss (Rhytidium rugosum) in the heath
community, and willow (Salix planifolia puZahra), river beauty
(Epilobium latifolium), horsetail (Equisetum sairpoides), polar
grass (Aratagrostis latifolia) and-groundsel (Seneaio resedifolius)
in the birch -feathermoss community on the river terrace. Willow,
mostly 2.5 em d.b.h. or less has a density of 1640 stems/Ha.
Many of the latter species are pioneers in disturbed areas and
indicate that the area, although a high river terrace, has still
not reached a stable, long-lastingconnriunity type .
. 5 Subalpine Dryas shrub w/scattered white spruce (Evergreen
narrow-sclerphyll low savanna, 1Jl3).
Low shrub vegetation occurs on well drained conditions usually
associated with the alpine moraine complex. A mountain avens
and Lapland cassiope (Dryas integrifolia integrifolia -Cassiope
tetragona) association represents vegetation on rounded moraine
but below adjacent slopes. Other characteristic species consist
65
of netted willow (Salix retiaulata retiaulata), sedge (Carex sairpoidea),
Lapland rosebay (Rhododendron lapponiaum), moss (Rhytidium rugosum)
and lichen (Stereoaaulon grande).
A mountain avens and sedge (Dryas integrifolia integrifolia -
Carex bigelowii) association also occurs on deformed alpine moraine
(Plate 5C). ·Associated species include scattered clumps of willow
(Salix glauaa aautifolia), sedge (Carex limosa), horsetail (Equisetum
sairpoides), kobresia (KObresia simpliaiusaula) and mosses (Rhytidium
rugosum 3 Drepanoaladus unainiatus). White spruce has a density
of 240 to 360 stems/Ha with most of the. trees below 10 em d.b.h.
Willow densities (240 to 560 stems/Ha) increase with elevation
whereas white spruce densities decrease .
. 6 Low and dwarf willow shrub tundra (Deciduous orthophyll dwarf
shrub, 1C21 (a)).
Five associations from a number of sites across the physiographic
province (450 to 1100 m) (1500 -3600 ft.) are placed within this
tundra vegetation type. Sites include wet sedge areas from the
Romanzof Mountains, a vegetated slope failure in the Marshfork
of the Canning River, an old terrace in the fossil floodplain
of the Chandalar River and an old alluvial fan on a side slope.
----- -
of the Cane Creek valley. All of these sites are fairly wet since
they are below adjacent upslope water sources.
66
A netted willow, mountain avens and moss (Salix Peticulata Petiaulata -
DPyas integrifoZia integPifoZia/Tomenthypnwn nitens) association
represents a depressional habitat between active floodplains and
adjacent mountain slopes (debris slope) and is most predominant
in the northern part of the province (Plate SD). Other important
species are sedges (CaPex aquatilis3 C. higelowii3 C. misandPa),
.horsetail (Equisetwn palustre) and willow (Salix Potundifolia
dodgeana).
The association of willow, netted willow and moss (Salix pZanifoZia
pulahPa/S. Petiaulata Petiaulata/Tomenthypnwn nitens) represents
a more upland area on the colluvium of mountain slopes, again
best developed in the northern section of the province (Romanzof
Mountains) (Plate SE). These sites are provided with surface
water from snowbeds throughout much of the surrnner. Other abundant
characteristic species include alpine blueberry, horsetail (Equisetum
arvense), low willow (Salix phlehophylla), and bistort (Polygonum
histoPta plumosum).
A willow, Arctic bearberry and alpine blueberry (Salix glauaa
acutifolia/APctostaphylos Puhra -Vaaainium uliginosum alpinum)
association represents a somewhat moreopen vegetation on an old
(20 yrs.) slope failure (35% slope) (Plate SF). This particular
site contained a water saturated loose shale substrate. Other
species with high prominence values are Lapland cassiope, horsetail
(Equisetum arvense), polar grass (APatagPostis latifolia ZatifoZia)
and mosses (BPyum pseudotPiquestrum3 Tomenthypnum nitens).
Two similar associations of netted willow, sedge and moss (Salix
reticulata reticulata -Carex vaginata/Hyloaomium splendens -
Tomenthypnum nitens) occurs on a low river terrace and old fossil
floodplain near the Cane Creek -Chandalar River junction. Felt-
leaf willow (Salix alaxensis alaxensis) forms a dense overstory
67
as a part of most river terrace vegetation types. Other important
understory species include sedge (Carex vaginata), horsetail (Equisetum
variegatum variegatum), bistort and dwarf Arctic willow (Salix
arctica). The floodplain community contains sedges (Carex vaginata3
c. sairpoidea), mountain avens, Lapland cassiope and willow (Salix
lanata riahardsonii) as the associated, more prominent species.
This community is fairly common in the southern portion of the
Brooks Range since it occurs on the alluvial fans of side valleys
which drain two or three adjacent peaks. Some white spruce (density
= 320/Ha) and balsam poplar (density= 1240/Ha) (Appendix 4, stand
98) are usually associated with the river terrace vegetation,
but willow was co-dominant, having an ave;;.age density of 9520
stems/Ha on sites at least 40 years old .
. 7 Alpine sedge meadows (Seasonal short grass meadows, IM21).
Four associations comprise the sedge meadow vegetation type.
Sites represented include oldbackswamps (strangmoors) and old
drainage systems, including alluvial fans with elevations ranging
from 750 to 1400 m (2500 -4600 ft.).
68
A mountain avens and moss (Dryas integrifoZia integrifolia/Tomenthypnum
nitens) association represents stable backswamp depressions along
the Canning River (Plate 6A). Water actively drains into these
areas and some ponding is noticeable throughout the summer. Important
associates include shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla frutiaosa) sedges
(Carex aquatilis~ C. sairpoidea), netted willow (Salix retiauZata
retiaulata), willow (s. lanata riahardsonii), horsetail (Equisetum
palustre) and Lapland rosebay (Rhododendron lapponiaum).
The association of sedge, Arctic bearberry and moss (Carex membranaaes -
Aratostaphylos rubra/Tomenthypnum nitens) represents better drained
sites on plateaus above the river floodplains (Plate 6B). This
community is common throughout the Brooks Range, but is best developed
along the Cane Creek, Chandalar River and Canning River corridor
at 800 to 900 m (2600 -2950 ft.) elevation which included solifluc-
tion plateaus. Abundant associated species include willow (Salix
glauaa aautifolia), Lapland cassiope, low willow (Salix rotundifolia
dodgeana), false asphodel (Tofieldia pusilla), horsetail (Equisetum
sairpoides) and Lapland rosebay (Rhododendron lapponiaum).
An association of mountain avens and moss (Tomenthypnum nitens)
is a representative of depressional plateaus and old drainage
systems at high elevations (1400 m)(4600 ft.). Other characteristic
species include sedge (Carex misandra), wood rush (Luzula aonfusa),
Lapland rosebay, bog saxifrage (Saxifraga hiraulus) and moss (Catosaopium
nigritum). The vegetation is dependent upon a reduction in slope
and hence impediment of drainage from surrounding snowfields.
.8 Alpine heath -Dryas meadows (Evergreen narrow sclerophyll
dwarf shrub steppe savanna, 2Fl2).
Upland sites on montane and submontane colluvium and alpine moraine
are characterized by an open, xeric meadow vegetation type. Sites
range from 850 to 1100 m (2790 -3600 ft.) 1n elevation. The
vegetation type is made up of three similar associations.
A mountain avens -Lapland cassiope association represents rock
sorted and the more stable morainic slopes (Plate 6C). Alpine
blueberry, lousewort (PediauZ~is oederi), groundsel (Senecio
Zugens), bistort (PoZygonum bistorta pZumosum) and moss (Diaranum
aautifoZium) are prominent on well drained rocky sites, and sedge
(Carex Zugens), willow (Salix gZauca acutifoZia~ S. rotundifoZia
dodgeana) and mosses (Rhytidium rugosum~ Tomenthypnum nitens)
occur on a poorer drained site.
69
A mountain avens and moss (Rhytidium rugosum) association with
abundant Lapland cassiope is characteristic of rocky upland colluvial
slopes (Plate 6D). Other prominent and representative species include
netted willow, bellflower (CampanuZa unifZora), and a number of
lichens (Cetraria nivaZis~ Petus~ia dactyZina~ AZeatoria nitiduZa~
A. oahroZeuaa). The abundance of lichens is indicative of the
rocky, and well drained conditions of these sites.
70
.9 Alpine Dryas -sedge meadows (Seasonal short grass meadows
1M21).
Lush well drained upland meadows on colluvium terrain are represented
by this major type of vegetation. Topography consists of gentle
slopes, swales and piedmont plateaus with north and northwest
exposures at 750 to 850 m (2500-2800 ft.). The vegetation type
is similar in physiognomy to alpine sedge meadow and alpine Dryas
meadows and barrens, but species composition and abundance (e.g.
high x cover % of mountain avens) is quite different. This vegetation
type probably represents a fairly stable unit in terms of successional
seres on colluvial material.
Mountain avens, sedge and moss combine to form two associations
which represent the vegetation type (Dryas integrifoZia integrifoZia -
Carex sairpoidea; D. integrifoZia integrifoZia/Tomenthypnum nitens)
(Plate 6E). Other important characteristic species include Arctic
bearberry, netted willow, willow (SaZix gZauaa gZauaa), ·Lapland
rosebay, alpine foxtail (AZopeaurus aZpinus aZpinus), sedge (Carex
petriaosa), horsetail (Equisetum paZustre) and cotton grass (Eriophorum
angustifoZium subaratiaum). The last three species are common
only on the less well drained plateaus and depressions on slopes
and at the base of slopes;
.10 Alpine Dryas meadows and barrens (Seasonal grass steppe, 2G21
and evergreen narrow sclerophyll dwarf shrub steppe savanna,
2Fl2).
A large number of xeric sites on alpine moraine, stable frost
shattered colluvium and deformed alluvial fan terrain support
71
this vegetation type.
Five mountain avens associations are grouped into this category
which is similar in physiognomy to the alpine Dryas -sedge -
meadow vegetation, but usually has less vegetative cover. The
associations include mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia integrifolia) -
sedge (Carex misandra)/moss (Rhytidium rugosum), mountain avens -
sedge (Carex scirpoidea), mountain avens-Lapland cassiope, mountain
avens/moss (Rhytidium rugosum) and mountain avens -moss campion
(Silene acaulis acaulis).
The first association with Carex misandra represents alpine lateral
and end moraine next to the fossil floodplain in the Canning River
area at 700 to 850 m (2300-2800 ft.) (Plate 6F). Important
associated species include willow (Salix brachycarpa niphoclada),
polar grass (Arctagrostis latifolia latifolia), milk vetch (Astragalus
araticus) and feathermoss (Hylocomium splendens). A similar association
with Carex scirpoidea also occupies alpine moraine, but at slightly
higher elevations and usually has more southerly exposures. Important
associated species in this community include alpine blueberry,
blue grass (Poa alpina), bistort (Polygonum viviparum), Arctic
bearberry, Lapland rosebay and moss (Rhytidium rugosum).
The association with Lapland cassiope represents lower, well drained
sites on the fossil floodplain, and is usually near and below
the alpine moraine complex (Plate 7A). Well spaced felt-leaf
willow (Salix alaxensis alaxensis), Arctic bearberry, large yellow
72
loco-weed (Oxytropis campestris gracilis), wood rush (Luzula confusa)
and moss (Ditrichum flexicaule) are characteristically associated
species.
The mountain avens/moss (Rhytidium rugosum) association represents
a number of sites, all of which were on rocky substrate (Plate 7B).
Terrain includes alpine moraine, old alluvial deposits from side
valleys and colluvial slopes from 780 to 1350 m (2600-4400 ft.).
Other prominent species are netted willow, willow (Salix glauca
acutifolia), sedge (Carex scirpoidea), hedysarum (Hedysarum alpinum
americanum), loco-weed (Oxytropis borealis), alpine blueberry,
bearberry (Arctostaphylos alpinus), lichens (Cetraria nivalis3
C. richardsonii3 Lecanora coilocarpa) and moss (Polytriahum strictum)
at the lower sites within the valleys. The high colluvial slopes
have greater percentage lichen cover of Cetraria nivalis3 c. aommixta
and Icmadophila ericetorum with dwarf willow (Salix phlebophylla)
and sedge (Carex misandra) (Plate 7C).
The mountain avens -moss campion association represents another
connnunity on gentle intermediate. (900 -1100 m) (3000 -3600 ft.)
well drained slopes of lateral moraine (Plate 7D). Other prominent
species include low willow (Salix glauca acutifolia), sedge (Carex
concinna), wood rush (Luzula multiflora fridiga), loco-weed (Oxytropis
nigrescens pygmaea), lichen (Cetraria nivalis) and moss (Rhytidium
19 ugosum) • The lower abundance of lichens indicates the more stable
and mesic condition of the sites as compared to habitats represented
by the former associations. (
73
.11 Alpine dwarf shrub -lichen fellfield ~icrophyllous deciduous
desert scrub, 3B21).
An association of netted willow, sedge and moss (Salix retiaulata
retiaulata -Carex maaroahaeta/Rhaaomitrium Zanuginosum) represents
communities on high (1500 -1600 m) (4900 -5200 ft.) rocky solifluc-
tion slopes near the upper limit of a continuous plant cover (Plate 7E).
Prominent species also include mountain avens (Dryas oatopetala
oatopetala), moss (Diaranum aautifolium) and a host of lichens
(Parmelia panniformis, Rhizoaarpon geographiaum, R. aonaentriaum,
Umbiliaara probosaidea). The occurrence of lingonberry (Vaaainium
vitis-idaea minus) on some protected surfaces with south exposures
may indicate the potential for this community type to develop
toward the low birch shrub type which occurs at 1300 m (4260 ft.)
on south slopes usually directly below these sites (i.e. 5.1.5.2.4).
5.3.4 Arctic Foothills Physiographic Province
The foothills on the northern edge of the Brooks Range are mostly
composed of rolling hills from 200 to 600 m (650 -2000 ft.) which
are dissected by numerous north flowing rivers (Fig. 7). Terrain
types include rounded silt-mantled slopes, montane and submontane
colluvium,active and fossil floodplains and meander floodplains
(AAGSC, 1974). A major part of the province is composed of silt·-
rnantled slopes of moderately to steeply sloping topography which
usually shows evidence of solifluction. The general landscape
of the province is illustrated in Plate SA.
74
Terrain stability is assessed as very unstable to unstable on
the steeper portions of the silt-mantled slopes. Many areas giving
an indication of instability were placed in unstable with disturbance
and very unstable classes (Fig. 7). These areas include silt-
mantled slopes and meander floodplains with thin active layers.
Floodplain areas were defined as fairly stable except where underlain
by permafrost with a high silt content.
Six major vegetation types are distinguished in the physiographic
province. Sedge meadows and tussock tundra cover the largest
part of the area, with the latter being best developed on the
higher rounded hills. Dwarf shrub-sedge meadows also cover a
large portion of the province .
. 1 Tussock tundra (Seasonal short grass meadows, IM21).
Cotton grass, sedge and willow with a high moss cover form a major·
vegetation type which is especially.well developed on the silt-
mantled rolling hills adjacent to the northern Brooks Range (400 -
550 m) (1300 -1800 ft.). An association of willow, cotton grass,
sedge and feathermoss (SaZix pZa~ifoZia puZchra/EriophoPUm vaginatum
vaginatum and/or Carex bigeZowii/HyZcomium spZendens) represents
the vegetation type (Plate 8B). Prominent associated species
include cordate -leaved saxifrage (Saxifraga punctata neZsoniana),
holy grass (HierochZoe aZpina), bistort (PoZygonum bistorta pZumosum),
sweet coltsfoot (Petasites frigidus) and valerian (VaZeriana capitata)
which are more abundant at the higher elevations (300 -500 m),
'\
IDO
Elevation
Terrain Type:
Sub-type:
I
Topo&raphy:
200
Averaae s slope:
General Yeaetation
Type:
Genera I So i I
Profile:
Drainaae Class:
lex tu re:
Terrain
Stabi I i ty:
0
' 0 • II
"""
"""""
RSR
rollin& hills
11oderatel y roll in&
12
Dwarf shrub-sed&e Meadows, sed&e
Meadows & tussock tundra
10
Of
0111
30 BCIY
40
50 BC&z
60 -
Poor
2-3
Yeae tat ion
balsa• poplar
wi I low
I 01 and dwarf shrubs (hlath, birch, willow)
cot ton&rass
Sldll and &rass
hrU
•oss and lich1ns
A & FFP
river
terraces
near I y
I eve I
Riparian
shrub &
open !ores
0
10
3D-
4!l. 11C
!il-
60-
lei I
3-4
RSR MTY I
irre&ular slope with solitluction
steeply slopin&
16 -30
Open dwarf shrub barrens, sed&e meadows, tussock
tundra, dwarf shrub sed&e meadows & dwarf heath
I i chen lund ra
L I
10 10
20 20
BC
30 BCIY 30
40 --40-
50-BC&z 5o-
0 60-60-
Rapid llllpe rfect
1-2
Terrain Types
A & FFP
river
terraces
near I y
I eve I
Riparian
shrub &
dwarf shrub
sed&e
meadows
10
c
20
LFH
30-
11C
40
111C
50
60
I ell Poor
3-4
RSR-rounded silt-•antled slopes with horsetail drainaaes
A and FFP-active and fossil flood plains
AIIP-Meander flood plain
AMP -RSR
convex s I ope to ro IIi n& hi II s
moderately sloping
10 -12
Dwarf Shrub -sed&e meadows, dwarf heath
I i chen tundra and sed~te meadows.
0 -
Of
Oh 10 10 -
C& 20 20 -
1-----
30 -BCgy
30 -
C&Z 40 -----40 -
50 8C~tz 50
60 60-
Imperfect Very-Poor
2-3
Terrain Stability
Of
Cg
-very unstable 3-unstable with
disturbance
2-unstable 4-fairly stable
5-stable
FI&URE 7. Stylized landscape profile with terrain. veaetation and sui I types
in the Arctic Foothi lis Physioaraphic rrovince.
PLATE 8A: Typical landscape of Arctic Foothills Physiographic Pro-
vince with rounded silt-mantled slopes and rolling hills.
PLATE 8C: Wet sedge meadow of dwarf willow (Salix planifolia ssp .
pulchra or S. glauca var. glauca)-sedge (Carex aquatilis) association on
old stream bed near the Kongakut R .
PLATE 8R: Well developed tussock tundra of willow (Salix planifolia
ssp. pulchra) -cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum) and I or sedge
(Cw·ex bigelowii) I feathermoss (Hylocomium splendens) association on
the silt mantled rolling hills above the Kongakut R.
PLATE 8D: Felt-leaf willow (Salix alaxensis ssp. alaxensis) /feather-
moss (Hylocomium splendens) association along Gilead Creek on a high
river terrace of the fossil floodplain.
PLATE 9A : Felt-leaf willow (Salix alaxensis ssp. alaxensis)-willow
(Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra) /mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp. in-
tegrifolia) association in an open forest of balsam poplar (Populus
balsamifera) on coarse alluvium.
PLATE 9C: Dwarf willow (Salix reticulata ssp. reticulata) mountain
avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp. integrifolia) I moss (Tomenthypnum nitens)
association on gentle to steep slopes and old river terraces .
PLATE 9B: Alpine blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum ssp . alpinum)-
lingonberry (V. vitis-idaea ssp . minus) association on gently rounded
moraine near Gilead Creek.
PLATE 9D: Scattered mounds of vegetation of dwarf willow (Salix
reticulata ssp. reticulata)-Labrador tea (Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens)
-bluegrass (Poa alpina) association on gravelly area of rounded silt-
mantled slope terrain with south exposure.
(1000 -1600 ft.), and northern Labrador tea, wintergreen (Py~oza
~otundifoZia g~andifZo~a) and moss (AuZocomnium t~gidum~ Dic~anum
acutifoZium) which are more common throughout. Although cotton
grass has often been identified as the dominant species of the
vegetation type, sedge and low or dwarf willow may actually have
a higher prominence value. However, cotton grass and sedge give
the vegetation type the characteristic tussock physiognomy .
. 2 Wet sedge meadows (Seasonal short grass meadows, 1M21).
75
Gently sloping areas, solifluction plateaus and depressional areas
contain sedge meadows which are wet for most of the summer. The
vegetation is represented by a dwarf or low willow (SaZix pZanifoZia
puZch~a or S. gZauca gZauca), sedge (C~ex aquatiZis) association
which may also include sweet coltsfoot as one of the dominant
species (Plate 8C). Other important species include cotton grass
(E~iopho~ vaginatum vaginatum1 netted and dwarf willow (SaZix
~eticuZata ~eticuZata~ S. ~otundifolia dodgeana), common horsetail
(Equisetum a~vense), valerian and mosses (Tomenthypnum nitens~
AuZocomnium t~gidum~ HyZocomium splendens) .
. 3 Riparian shrub and open forest (Mesophyllous deciduous orthyophyll
scrub, 1B2l(a) and open deciduous orthophyll forest, 1D21).
Dense tall willow vegetation occurs along many of the stream courses,
especially areas nearer the Brooks Range. The vegetation is represented
by a felt-leaf willow and feathermoss association (SaZix aZaxensis
aZaxensis/HyZocomium spZendens) with other willow species (SaZix
76
glauca glauca~ s. Planifolia pulchra) and Arctic bearberry,
soapberry and larkspur as important associates (Plate 8D). The
vegetation type is similar to that found on older river terraces
throughout the Brooks Range at the lower elevations. Salix planifolia
pulchra has densities-ot SOfrD stems/& inos:Co:fwhicli are below .
5 em d.b.h., but some have diameters up to 10 em. Salix glauca
with diameters of up to 5 em had a density of 3680 stems/Ha.
An open forest vegetation type formed by balsam poplar, occupies
restricted sites near permanent springs or underground water sources
on coarse alluvium. The vegetation type is represented by an
association of willow species (Salix alaxensis alaxensis -s.
planifolia pulchra) and mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia integrifolia)
(Plate 9A). Other important species include Arctic bearberry,
balsam poplar, bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), dwarf raspberry
(Rubus arcticus acaulis), aster (Aster sibiricus), river beauty
(Epilobium latifolium) and Jacob's ladder (Polemonium acutiflorum).
This vegetation type is similar to the balsam poplar forest of
the lower elevation river terraces of the Brooks Range. Understory
species vary somewhat with latitude as well as length of time
since stabilization of the terrace. Balsam poplar has a density
of 1280 stems/Ha with some trees at 20 em d.b.h., but the majority
were between 10 to 15 em d.h.h. No trees between 2.5 and 10 em
d.b.h. were found. Willows, mostly less than 3.5 em diameter,
have a density of 960 stems/Ha (Appendix 4, stand SO).
.4 Dwarf heath -lichen tundra (Deciduous orthophyll dwarf heath,
1C2(b).
Gravelly rounded slopes and bluffs above river systems contain
sparse xeric communities. The vegetation type is represented
77
by an alpine blueberry and lingonberry (Vaccinium uliginosum aZpinium -
V. vitis-idaea minus) association which is also characterized
by the abundance of northern Labrador tea, crowberry, bearberry
(Arctostaphylos alpina), moss (Dicranum acutifolium) and lichens
(Cetraria richardsonii, Sterocaulon grande) (Plate 9B) .
. 5 Dwarf shrub-sedge meadow (Seasonal short grass meadows, IM21).
Arctic tundra grassland and meadow vegetation occurs on gentle
to steep hillsides and old river terraces and is best developed
at the higher elevations (450 -550 m) (1500 -1800 ft.) of the
physiographic province, but also occurs at elevations as low as
30 m (100 ft.) on the coastal plain. A dwarf willow, mountain
avens and moss (Salix reticulata reticulata -Dryas integrifolia
integrifoZia/Tomenthypnum nitens) association typifies vegetation
on the imperfectly drained, gentle slopes (Plate 9C). Important
associated species include sedges (Carex membranacea), saxifrage
(Saxifraga punctata neZsoniana), boykinia (Boykinia richardsonii),
horsetail (Equisetum scirpoides) and mountain avens. The mountain
avens and sedge (Carex bigelowii) association which represents
old, stable river terraces at elevations above the tall riparian
shrub zone. Other prominent species include dwarf willow (Salix
brachycarpa niphoclada, S. sphenophylla), milkvetch (Astragalus
78
5.3.5
aPcticus); bistort (PoZygonum viviparum) and mosses (Districhum
capiZZaceum~ Tomenthypnum nitens~ TortuZa ruraZis). The milkvetch
had an aspect dominance during anthesis, but was not as prominent
as the mountain avens or sedge. The abundance of several moss
species reflects the stability and fossil floodplain status of
these sites .
. 6 Open dwarf shrub-heath barrens (Seasonal dwarf shrub steppe
savanna, 2F21).
Gravelly areas with southern exposures on rounded silt-mantled
slope terrain contain an open meadow and shrub vegetation with
a hummocky appearance. An association of dwarf willow, Labrador
tea and bluegrass (SaZix reticuZata reticuZata -Ledum paZustre
decumbens-Poa aZpina) typifies the sites (Plate 9D). Although
the area· is somewhat drier than the previous yegetation type,
drainage from higher surrounding areas accounts for the moisture
found at the sites on the sides or bases of hills. Other important
species include mountain heather, crowberry, and lichens (AZectoria
nitiduZa~ PertusaPia dactyZina).
Arctic Coastal Plain Physiographic Province
Terrain types within the Arctic Coastal Plain Province include
Rounded Silt-Mantled Slopes, some with coarse outwash speckled
pits, thaw ponds and ice wedges, fossil and active floodplains,
former oriented lakes and Arctic Coastal Plain (AAGSC, 1974).
rounded silt-mantled slopes comprise the largest portion of the
province. The flat or very gently sloping Arctic Coastal Plain
terrain type is also common nearer the coast (Fig. 8). Much of
the coastal plain is underlain by ice-rich permafrost and hence
is fairly unstable, as indicated by thaw pockets, solifluction
lobes and various-hummocky· surface-features associated with frost
action. The flat, wet portion of the coastal plain with thaw
pockets and polygonal features is illustrated in Plate lOA and
79
lOB. The steeper silt-mantled slopes are assessed as very unstable
to stable and those with less of a slope as unstable with disturbance
(Fig. 8). Probably the most stable areas are the floodplains
and alluvial fan deposits which have coarse material near the
surface.
Six major vegetation types are identified for the coastal plain.
Wet sedge meadows cover the largest portion of the area occurring
at all elevations (Fig. 8). Low shrub sedge meadows and hummocky
tundra and heath-sedge tussock tundra are also frequently encountered
and occur throughout the elevational range (0 -250 m) (0 -820
ft.) of the physiographic province .
. 1 Wet sedge meadows (Seasonal short grass meadows, 1}121).
Sedge and low or dwarf willow combine to form a matrix of vegetation
on gently sloping, level and depressional areas which are inundated
by water for most of the growing season. Five associations which
differ in composition form the components of this matrix.
80
An association of dwarf willow, mountain avens and sedge (Sali:c
ovalifolia ovalifolia -Dryas integrifolia integrifolia -Carex
bigelowii) represents wet sedge meadows on rounded silt-mantled
slopes which contain thaw ponds on ice wedge polygons (Plate lOC).
The association is best developed on the rolling hill area of
the Kongakut and Okerokovik rivers of the eastern part of the
coastal plain. Other characteristic species include dwarf Arctic
willow (Salix aratiaa), cotton grass (Eriophorum saheuahzeri saheuahzeri),
marsh marigold (Caltha palustris aratiaa), polar grass (Aratagrostis
latifolia latifolia), bistort (Polygonum viiparum) and feathermoss
(Thuidium abietinum). Grass species are more abundant on the top
of hummocks and polygonal ridges. A similar association of dwarf
willow and sedge (Salix planifolia pulahra -Carex bigelowii)
represents level areas near the coast where polygonal features
are absent. Other characteristic species include sedge (Carex
aquati Zis) , mountain avens, wintergreen (Pyro la rotundifo Zia grandi-
fiora), valerian (Valeriana aapitata) and mosses (Auloaomnium
turgidum~ Mesoptyahia sahlgergii).
Another netted willow, sedge and moss (Salix retiaulata retiaulata -
Carex bigelowii/Tomenthypnumnitens) association represents low
center polygon areas on former oriented lakes in the western coastal
plain area (Sagavanirktok to Canning rivers) and more interior
portion of the coastal plain (30 -100m) (100 -330ft.).
250
Eleution (1)
0
Ttrr1in Type:
Sub-type:
Topoarlphy:
heraae s slope:
General veeetation
type:
General soi 1
prof i 1e:
Soi I Texture:
Dr1in111 clns:
Terri in Stlbi I i ty
clns:
•
0
•
((
1M
Mil
m RSR (01) FFP AFP FOL, ACP
& FFP
rounded hi II s with r i II s rounded hi lis hummocky river Hum.ucky
s I opes terraces poI yeona I
depressions
aently slopin& 1110derately level to very near I y depressional
slopin& aentl y s I op ina I eve I to I eve I
5 6 1 -2 0 -1
Tussock tundra, wet sedae meadow, dwarf shrub-Dryas
111eadow & low shrub-sedae 111eadow.
wet sedae mea-
dow, tussock
tundra
wet sedae !Ilea-
dow, heath-
sedee&tussock
tundra
r i pa-
ri an
wi I low
shrub
let sedae Ina-
dow, heath-
sed&e&tussock
tundra.
Of
20 20
30 BCIY 30
40
50 -
IC&z H,!_./
60-60 ~
Poor l1perhct
2 - 3
h&eUtion
Iii Ill
Low dwerf ShrUbS (hllth, bi rcn, wi II on)
Cottonarus
hd&e lnd &rns
leru .... , 1 i chins
0 -
10 • 10
LFH
20 20
BCIY Of
Cz
30 ce 30
--c --40 Cz 0 40
50 50
80-Cz 60
l111perhct Poor lell Poor
1 - 2 2 - 3 3 -4 2 -3
Terrain Types
UR: rounded si 1 t 111nt1 ed slopes wi tn norsetai I drainaees
(01): wi tn outwnn of erne I and sand
(liP): ice wed&e pol nons
(SP): speckled pattern of pits and tnaw ponds
ACP:· Arctic COIStal plain
FOL: tor1er oriented lake
A & FFP: active 1nd fossi I flood plain
AFD: llluvial fin deposit
01
ce
ca
FIIIIIU8 .. Stylized l1ndscepe profile with t1rr1in, naetltion end
RSR (liP) & RSR (SP
rounded s I opes
EBn I I y ro II i ne
Low sh rub-sedae meadows,
tussock tundra, heath-
sedae& tussock tundra.
0-
Of
10-
20
en
30 30
40 40
50-50
60-60-
LF
ACy
BC&
Cz
Poor IIIIIJer feet
2 - 3
Terrain Stability
AFD A & FFP
een t 1 e river terraces
s I opes and bars
w/hummocks
v. eent 1 y near I y I eve I
slop in&
0 -2
Dwarf shrub-Dryas 111eadow,&
riparia wi I low shrub.
c 20
50
60-
Cz
le II lell Poor
3 -4
1. hry unstlble 3. Unstlble with
di sturblnce
2. UnsUDie 4. Fairly stable
5. Stable
soil types in the Arctic Contal Pl1in Pnysio&rlphic Province.
PLATE lOA
PLATE lOC
PLATE lOE
PLATE lOB
PLATE lOD
PLATE lOA: Outwash Plain and Floodplain terrain of the
Arctic Coastal Plain near the Sagavanirktok R .
PLATE 1 OB: Flat Arctic Coastal Plain terrain with inclu-
sions of fossil lake beds and polygonal features east of the
Canning R.
PLATE 1 OC: Dwarf willow (Salix ovalifolia ssp. ovalifolia)-
mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp. integrifolia) -sedge
(Carex bigelowii) association on rounded silt-mantled slope
with thaw ponds on ice wedge polygons near the Kongakut
R.
PLATE 1 OD : Willow (Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra) -sedge
(Carex aquatilis) association on fossil lake bed. Wet sedge
meadow is a dominant feature of the physiographic pro-
vince .
PLATE 1 OE: Sedge (Carex bigelowii-C. rarif/ora-C. saxitilus
ssp. taxa) association on former oriented lake terrain near
the Sagavanirktok R.
PLATE llA
,
PLATE llC
PLATE llE
PLATE liB
PLATE liD
PLATE 11 A: Dwarf birch (Betula nan a ssp. exilis)-sedge
(CGI·ex aquatilis and C. bigelowii) association on level area of
fossil floodplain in the interior portion of the coastal plain.
PLATE 11 B: Willow (Salix lanata ssp . richardsonii)-sedge
(Carex vaginata)l feathermoss (Hylocomium splendens) asso-
ciation on silt-mantled terrain with thaw and ice mounds
near the Kongakut R.
PLATE 11C : Netted willow (Salix reticulata ssp . reticulata)
-sedge (Carex bigelowii)! moss (Tomenthypnum nitens) asso-
ciation on rolling hills of the eastern coastal plain .
PLATE 11 D: Dwarf willow (Salix planifolia ssp . pulchra) -
sedge (Carex bigelowii)-cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum)
association on higher areas between former oriented lake
terrain forming a wet sedge meadow with some tussock
development.
PLATE 11 E: Willow (Salix planifolia ssp. pulchra) sweet col-
tsfoot (Petasites frigidus) on middle terraces and old oxbow
areas of fossil floodplains on the upper elevations of the
coastal plain.
PLATE 12A: Dwarf willow (Salix ovalifolia ssp. ovalifolia)-mountain L
avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp. integrifolia) -polar grass (Arctogrostisr
latifolia ssp . latifolia) association on an old terrace of the Canning R .
PLATE 12C: Mountain avens (D1yas integrifolia ssp. integrifolia) -
Lapland cassiope (Cassiope tetragona) -sedge (Carex scirpoidea) -
alpine blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum ssp . a!pinum) association on
well drained alluvial fan deposits.
PLATE 128: Netted willow (Salix reticulata ssp . reticulata)-mountain
avens (Dryas integrifolia ssp. integrifolia)l moss (Tomenthypnum nitens
association on deformed alluvial fan deposits on lower portion of the
coastal plain.
PLATE 12D: Lapland cassiope (Cassiope tetragona) -sedge (Cm·ex
bigelowii)-northern Labrador tea (Ledum palustre ssp . decumbens) as-
sociation on old alluvial fan deposits and fossil floodplains above the
Sagavanirktok R . Tussocks have developed on the slightly raised
areas.
r Other important species include a number of sedges (Carex aquatilis 3
C. vaginata3 C. misandPa), dwarf willow (Salix planifolia pulahra),
mountain avens, lousewort (PediauZaris sudetiaa), bistort (Polygonum
vivipaPum) and an increase of cotton grass (EPiophoPum vaginatum
81
. vaginatum), swe~t coltsfoot (Petasftef]_[Pigic}.u.sJ_9Il-d _1Il()SSe_s (.A.HZ~qorrmium
tUPgidum3 SaoPpidium.tUPgesaens) at the slightly better drained
sites.
A similar association of willow and sedge (Salix planifolia pulahra -
CaPex aquatilis) represents fossil lake bed vegetation on the
more inland areas. The sites are saturated by water throughout
the growing season and although some hummocks due to frost action
are evident, few polygons have developed (Plate lOD). Other important
species include netted willow, lousewort (Pediaularis oedePi),
horsetail (Equisetum sairpoides), cinquefoil (Potentilla bifZora),
bistort (Polygonum viviparum), and moss (DiaPanum pallidisetum).
Very wet areas on the flat coastal plain are represented by a
sedge (Carex bigelowii -C. rariflora -C. saxitilus laxa) association
which was found to be best developed on infilled lake beds (former
oriented lake terrain) (Plate lOE). Subdominant species include
cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum vaginatum), lousewort (Pediaularis
sudetiaa) and moss (Campylium stellatum) which are much less abundant
than the dominant species. The low number of species on these
sites and the abundance of water is probably an indication of
a shorter time period since completion of the infilling process
82
of the lake. Some long frost ridges and low centre polygonal
features are usually associated with the vegetation type.
Meadow areas with hummocky topography are represented by a dwarf
birch and sedge (Betula nana exilis -CaPex aquatilis -C. bigelowii)
association (Plate llA). These sites typically occur below hills
on the level areas of fossil floodplains and hence are found most
often in the more interior portions of the coastal plain. Important
associated species include dwarf willow (Salix planifolia pulahra),
wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia grandifZora) and mosses (Auloaomnium
turgidum, Tomenthypnum nitens, Sphagnum girgensohnii). Dwarf
birch, willow and wintergreen occur mostly on the hummocks .
. 2 Low shrub -sedge meadow and hummocky tundra (Microphyllous
deciduous orthophyll scrub, 1B21 (b)).
A predominance of low shrubs and a rugged micro-topography characterizes
a number of sites on the more level portion of the coastal plain
on rounded silt-mantled terrain. Several willow and sedge associations
typify the vegetation type.
An association of willow, sedge and feathermoss (Salix lanata
riahaPdsonii-Carex vaginata/Hyloaomium splendens) represents
vegetation on silt-mantled terrain with thaw pockets and ice mounds
(Plate llB). The sites are characterized by numerous frost hummocks
with micro-relief of up to 60 em which provide habitats for a
diverse group of ·species. Dwarf Arctic willow (Salix aPatiaa),
----~------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~----
bistort (PoZygonum bistorta pZumosum, P. viviparum), meadow rue
(ThaZictrum aZpinum) and mosses (Tomenthypnum nitens, Oncophorus
wahZenbergii) are important associates.
Similar, but slightly better draiiled sites are represented by
a low willow and sedge (SaZix pZanifoZia puZchra/Carex bigeZowii)
association with dwarf willow (SaZix phZebophyZZa), mountain avens,
alpine blueberry, common horsetail (Equisetum arvense), Lapland
cassiope, lousewort (PedicuZaris sudetica) and moss (Tomenthypnum
nitens) as associates. The drier conditions are probably due
to coarse material from old alluvial fan deposits which underlie
most of the communities, along with an increase in slope.
83
Another association of low willow, sedge and mosses (SaZix pZanifoZia
puZchra/Carex bigeZowii/AuZocomnium turgidum -HyZocomium spZendens)
represents gentle slopes on silt in the more interior portion
of the coastal plain (150m). Alpine blueberry, sweet coltsfoot,
bluegrass (Poa gZauca, P. arctica), chickweed (SteZZaria monantha)
and mosses (AuZocomnium turgidium, Dicranum acutifoUum) are also
prominent. Although the active layer is thin, the slope provides
some drainage and a similar community to that described previously .
. 3 Tussock tundra (Seasonal short grass meadows, IM21).
Tussock communities of cotton grass and sedge have traditionally
been portrayed as the typical vegetation of the Arctic north slope
of Alaska and Canada. The vegetation type seems to be best developed
84
on silt-mantled rolling hills at higher elevations (150 -250
m), but it is also found on the Arctic Coastal Plain terrain
type near the coast. Three associations with willow and sedges
compose the vegetation type.
A netted willow, sedge and moss (Salix retiaulata retiaulata -
Carex bigelowii/Tomenthypnum nitens) association with cotton grass
(Eriophorum vaginatum vaginatum) and mountain avens as co-dominants
typifies tussock vegetation on rolling hills of the eastern portion
of the coastal plain (Plate llC). Other species include dwarf
willow (Salix rotundifolia dodgeana), cotton grass (Eriophorum
angustifolium subaratiaum), polar grass, bistort and Arctic bearberry.
A similar community on the higher rolling hills of the western
coastal plain area is represented by a dwarf willow and sedge
(Salix planifolia pulahra -Carex bigelowii -C. misandra) association.
Important associated species include dwarf birch (Betula nana
exilis), northern Labrador tea, lingonberry, Lapland cassiope,
bistort and mosses (Auloaomnium turgidum~ Diaranum aautifolium).
The increased abundance of dwarf birch and heath in' relation to
the previous community reflects an increase in slope and surface
drainage.
Slightly higher areas of the Arctic Coastal Plain terrain between
former oriented lakes and wet sedge meadows also contain tussock
tundra communities. The sites are represented by a dwarf willow,
85
sedge and cotton grass (Salix planifolia pulahra -Carex bigelowii -
Eriophorum vaginatum vaginatum) association (Plate llD). Other
important associates include netted willow, mountain avens, sawwort
(Sausserea angustifolia), wintergreen, sedge (Carex aquatilis)
and mosses (Diaranum aautifolium~ Tomenthypnum nitens). This
association probably represents the developmental potential for
most of the wet sedge and sedge communities on the coastal plain .
. 4 Riparian willow shrub OMesophyllous deciduous orthophyll scrub,
1B21 (a)).
Middle terraces and old oxbow areas of fossil floodplains in the
upper elevations (50 -250 m) (160 -820 ft.) of the coastal plain
contain a dense willow shrub vegetation which is represented by
an association of willow and sweet coltsfoot (Salix planifolia
pulahra/Petasites frigidus) (Plate llE). Felt-leaf willow (Salix
alaxensis alaxensis) is a co-dominant with the other tall willow
in most of the vegetation type. Other prominent species include
loco-weed (Oxytropis borealis), groundsel (Senecio atropurpureus
frigidus), alpine blueberry, lupine, lousewort (Pediaularis aapitata),
fescue grass (Festuaa braahyphylla) and chickweed (Stellaria monantha).
A high density of 12,040 stems/Ha was recorded for Salix planfolia
pulahra~ while Salix alaxensis alaxensis had 3720 stems/Ha. Most
of these are below 2.5 em d.b.h. but there are some up to 10 em.
Willow-dominated vegetation on fossil floodplains becomes less
common with increase in latitude and is found only in restricted
areas on the fossil floodplains and sand dunes within 10 -15
km (6 - 9 mi.) of the coast.
86
. 5 Dwarf shrub -Dryas meadow (Deciduous orthophyll dwarf scrub,
J.C21 (a)).
River terraces on active and fossil floodplains below 125 m elevation
contained an open to closed meadow type vegetation. These sites
are mostly north of well developed tall willow vegetation which
occupies similar habitats further inland. An association of dwarf
willow, mountain avens and polar grass (Salix ovalifolia ovalifolia -
Dryas integrifolia integrifolia -Aratagrostis latifolia latifolia)
occupies gravelly and cobbly surfaces on older terraces of many
of the coastal plain rivers (Plate 12A). Other prominent species
include mill_cvetch (Astragalus alpinus), brome grass, and minuartia
(Minuartia aratiaa).
A similar association of mountain avens and sedge (Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia -Carex bigelowii) occurs on higher and older terraces,
again north of the range of tall willow vegetation development.
These sites have a more complete vegetative ground cover of dwarf
willow (Salix braahyaarpa niphoalada~ S. sphenophylla), bistort
(Polygonum viviparum), milkvetch (Astragalus alpinus aratiaus),
m~ss (Tomenthypnum nitens) and lichen (Cetraria nivalis). The
trend of community development seems to be toward a sedge meadow
with low or dwarf willow shrubs.
Old alluvial fan deposits on the lower (10 -30 m) portion of
the coastal plain are represented by an association of netted
willow, mountain avens and moss (Salix retiaulata retiaulata -
Dryas integrifolia integrifolia/Tomenthypnum nitens) (Plate 12B).
The sites represented have the most continuous vegetative cover
and are the oldest since deposition of the land surface within
the vegetation type. Other prominent species include dwarf willow
(Salix glauca glauca), cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum vaginatum),
sedge (Carex begelowii), horsetail (Equisetum scirpoides) and
mosses (Bryum pseudotriquetrum~ Distichum capillaceum, Cinclidium
arcticum) .
. 6 Heath-sedge tussock tundra OMicrophyllous evergreen dwarf
heath, 1Cl2 (c)).
The combination of sedge and heath species forms a vegetation
type which occurs on many of the slightly better drained sites
on Arctic Coastal Plain, alluvial fan deposit and fossil floodplain
terrain.
A mountain avens, Lapland cassiope, sedge and alpine blueberry
(Dryas integrifoUa integrifoUa -Cassiope tetragona -Carex
scirpoidea -Vaccinium uliginosum alpinum) association typifies
fairly well drained youthful sites on alluvial fan deposits where
87
the vegetation cover is not complete. (Plate 12C). Other prominent
species include dwarf willow (Salix phZebophyZZa), lupine, saxifrage
(Saxifraga tricuspidata), avens (Geum glaciale) and moss (Onocophorus
wahZenbergii).
Some oid alluvial fan deposits and fossil floodplains are typified
by an association of Lapland cassiope, sedge and northern Labrador
tea (Cassiope tetragona-Carex bigeZowii-Ledum palustre deaumbens).
These sites have been established long enough so that permafrost
88
is quite near the suDface and some low ponding with a predominance
of sedge is evident (Plate 12D). On the slightly raised and hence
drier areas, sedges have formed tussocks. The vegetation represents
sites from various areas along the Kavik, Canning and Sagavanirktok
rivers which include elevations of 30 to 100m (100 -330ft.).
Certain prominent species including lingonberr~ sedge (Carex misandra),
dwarf willow (Salix pZanifolia pulahra) and moss (Auloaomnium
turgidum3 Hyloaomium splendens) are common at all the sites.
Dwarf willow (Salix phlebophylla), bistort and mosses (Calypogeia
neesiana3 Diaranum aautifolium) are more common at the lower elevational
range of the association and dwarf birch (Betula nana exiZis),
cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum vaginatum), and moss (Blepharostoma
triaophyllum) are more common at the upper limit.
5. 3 . 6 Sunnnary
Thirty major vegetation types have been identified for the five
physiographic regions (Table 2). Wet sedge meadow, dwarf or low
shrub sedge meadow, riparian willow shrub and white spruce forest
types occur in three of the physiographic provinces and had the
highest presence. Vegetation types made up of low and dwarf heath,
sedges and low willow were found to be the most common. Mountain
avens (Dryas integPifolia integrifolia) also is dominant in a
number of types, especially in alpine areas of the Porcupine Plateau,
Southern Foothills and the Brooks Range. Low heath shrub and
dwarf heath with open white spruce types are the most common in
the Porcupine Plateau, but tall willow-heath shrub is also common
Table 2 Distribution of the major vegetaion types in the
northeastern Alaska physiographic provinces.
Major Vegetation
Type
Tussock tundra
Wet sedge meadows
Wet sedge meadows
w/ scattered shrubs
Alpine sedge
meadows
Dwarf or low shrub
-sedge meadows-
Alpine open dwarf
shrub sedge meadows
Alpine Dryas-
sedge meadows
Alpine-subalpine
Dryas meadows
Alpine Dryas
meadows & barrens
Dwarf shrub-
Dryas meadows
Alpine heath-
Dryas meadows
Dwarf heath--
sedge wetland
Heath-sedge
tussock tundra
Low heath shrub
Low heath-
willow shrub
Dwarf heath-
1 ichen tundra
Open dwarf shrub-
heath barrens
Dwarf heath w/
open white spruce
Subalpine Dryas shrub
w/ white spruce
Tall willow-heath
shrub
Low shrub-herb &
moss meadow
Low & dwarf willow
shrub tundra
Alpine dwarf shrub
-lichen fellfield
Low birch shrub
Riparian willow shrub
Arctic bearberry-
herb w/ balsam poplar
Riparian shrub & open
forest
Balsam poplar forest
White birch forest
White spruce forest
Porcupine
Plateau
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Physiographic Provinces
Southern
Foothills
X
X
X
X
X
X
Brooks
Range
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Arctic
Foothills
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Arctic Coastal
Plain
X
X
X
X
X
X
89
90
(Table 2). Low heath shrub, low heath-willow shrub and low shrub-
herb and moss meadows are the most abundant types in the Southern
Foothills. Alpine heath-Dryas meadows and alpine Dryas-sedge
meadow types cover a major portion of the Brooks Range. Wet sedge
meadows and dwarf or low shrub sedge tussock tundra are the most
common types of the Arctic Foothills and Coastal Plain. Tussock
tundra is more common on the rolling hills of the Foothills than
on the Coastal Plain.
Forest types cover a small portion of the study area as they are
restricted mostly to the lower riparian sites and south exposures
only as far north as the Brooks Range. A few balsam poplar stands
0\rctic bearberry with balsam poplar) extend into the Arctic Foothills.
Riparian vegetation is composed of mixed shrub and forest species
into the Brooks Range, but willows become more dominant through
the Brooks Range and into the coastal plain. Other restricted
types include alpine dwarf shrub-lichen fellfields near snow line
in the Brooks Range, dwarf heath-lichen tundra which occurs only
on well drained ridges in the Arctic Foothills and alpine sedge
meadows which, although frequently found in the Brooks Range,
cover a small percentage of the area.
5.4 Soils of the Physiographic Regions
5.4.1 Porcupine Plateau
.1 Valleys
Cumulic Regosolsoccur on level rapidly drained active floodplains
(Plate 13A). They are characterized by alternating layers of
varying texture (usually sand_and silt), and also by the presence
of buried former surface horizons. Cobbles may be encountered
within the control section (within 1m of the surface). These
soils are found under various successional stages within seres
along valley streams, including willow, balsam poplar, and mature
white spruce (described in 5.1.1.1). The surface LFH horizon
of 2 to 5 em is often covered by feather.mosses under the white
spruce forest stage.
Gleyed Static Cryosols, which are sometimes vegetated by stunted
and very scattered white spruce at 396 m (1300 ft.) with sedges,
heaths and cotton grass forming the understory (see 5.1.1.1),
are often associated with_level poorly drained fossil floodplains
(Plate 13B). These soils are characterized by the presence of
permafrost within the control section (30 to 40 em in August),
and by silty loam textured gleyed mineral horizons under thick
(10 -20 em) surface organic horizons. Horizon displacement is
absent due to the lack of frost heaving.
91
92
Outwash plains which are common in these broad valleys, are composed
of rounded cobbles mixed with sands. Permafrost is probably present
within the control section through late summer, and widely spaced
(5 -10 m) organic ridged circles or strings are present, either
due to the action of frost or downslope movement. Regosolic Turbic
Cryosols with a 20 to 30 em fibric surface horizon occur on moderately
well to imperfectly drained sites under open white spruce vegetation
(Plate 13C), and Organic soils with fibric surface horizons occur
under poorly drained sedge vegetation at 488 m (1600 ft.),
.2 Slopes
All soils on colluvial slopes are characterized by having buried
or rolled under horizons.
On gentle to moderate slopes, where drainage is imperfect, cryoturbation
and slope movement combine to form Regosolic Turbic Cryosols (Plate
13C). These are characterized by having a high micro-topographic
relief (20 -40 em) and associated ice wedges surrounding earth
hummocks. Fibric .surface horizons vary in thickness from 10 em
on hummocks, to 20 em between hummocks. Silty loam textures are
responsible for high ice contents and active frost heaving.
Steep south facing slopes vegetated by white birch at 427 m (1400
. ft.) are moderately well drained and clay loam textured and containing
soils with dislocated horizons. These soils are unfrozen within
1 m of the surface in late summer so that horizon displacement
is probably due primarily to slope movement. Charcoal is present
PLATE 13A: Cumulic Regosol on a level well
drained active floodplain near Monument
Creek.
PLATE 13C: Regosolic Turbic Cryosol under earth hum-
mocks near Grayling Lake.
PLATE 13E : Lithic Alpine Eutric Brunisol on a level
well drained ridge of the Porcupine Plateau .
PLATE 138: Gleyed Static Cryosol on a level
poorly drained fossil floodplain of the Koness
R.
PLATE 13D: Cumulic Regosol on a steep slope
above the Koness R.
PLATE 13F: Lithic Degraded Eutric Bru-
nisol under white spruce on bedrock near
Grayling Lake .
occasionally (Plate 13D). These soils which are characterized
by having fibric surface horizons (5 -10 em) over BCg mineral
horizons with buried charcoal and former surface horizons, are
classed as Orthic, Cumulic or Gleyed Regosols.
93
At higher elevations (762 m; 2500 ft.) under mountain avens vegetation,
the turfy surface horizon which may be buried, is designated as
Ah ( >30% organic matter by weight). This Ah is non-chernozemic
(moder), and is derived from the mechanical incorporation of humus
into the mineral soil. Permafrost was usually absent within 1
m of the surface in late summer, but a lithic contact is usually
present at 10 to SO em so these soils are then classed as Lithic
Regosols .
. 3 Bedrock
In alpine.regions at 762 m (2500 ft.) on level, rapidly drained
ridges vegetated by alpine Dryas meadows, soils consist of mixed
broken rock and sandy loam material. They may be designated as
~ithic Alpine Eutric Brunisols and are characterized by having
a turfy Ah surface horizon of 3 to 5 em underlain by a weak brownish
Bm (a mineral horizon of moderate iron and organic acid accumulation)
(Plate 13E). A lithic contact was encountered at 10 to 15 em.
At. lower elevations (610 m) (2000 ft.) under white spruce vegetation
but under similar conditions of drainage and parent materials,
soils were very similar to those described above, except that
94
the surface horizon is an LFH at 5 to 10 em (> 30% organic matter
by weight) instead of an Ah, and a discontinuous Aej of 1 to 3
em (horizon of iron and organic matter eluviation, whitish grey
in color). Such soils could be described as Lithic Degraded Eutric
Brunisols (Plate 13F).
5.4.2 Southern Foothills
.1 Valleys
Soils in these high (915 m) (3000 ft.) valleys have developed
on active and fossil floodplains, which occur on old moraine and
colluvium.
Soils on active or recently active floodplains are undeveloped
except for some gleying and mottling throughout the lower profile
on more mature sites under well established sedge and low shrub
tundra vegetation. These soils are classified as (Cumulic) Gleysolic
Static Cryosols (Plate 14A) and may have active layers of 50 to
60 em thick. Soils on the older surfaces of the fossil floodplains
are similar, but have a shallower active layer and a thicker organic
mat on the surface (Plate 14B) .
. 2 Colluvium Slopes and Terraces (915 -1220 m) (3000 -4000
ft.)
Most of these mountain slopes are poorly drained because of water
movement from higher slopes or ridges. Therefore soils with silty
clay textures are characterized by mottled and gleyed conditions
PLATE 14A: Cumulic Gleysolic Static Cryosol on a floodplain near
Index Mtn.
PLATE 14C : Gleysolic Turbic Cryosol on poorly drained
solifluction slopes of Index Mtn.
PLATE 148: Gleysolic Static Cryosol on a fossil floodplain near
Index Mtn.
PLATE 14D: Gleysolic Turbic Cryosol on a poorly drained
colluvial terrace of Index Mtn.
throughout the profile, with disruption of the profile occurring
on solifluction slopes. Surface fibric horizons are 5 to 20 em
thick. These soils may be classified as Gleysolic Turbic Cryosols
(Plate 14C). High moisture contents may be responsible for the
thick active layers which may extend to 1 m in late summer. Willow
is common in the low shrub tundra vegetation.
Slopes with relatively little drainage from above have shallow
active layers (40 em) with accompanying frost heaved topography.
95
These soils which support low willow shrub vegetation may be classified
as Regosolic Turbic Cryosols.
At higher elevations (1220 m), level to gently_sloping and poorly
drained colluvial terraces occur under wet sedge meadow vegetation.
Soils here are characterized by having silt textures and are very
amorphous in structure. Strongly gleyed conditions occur under
thin (5 -10 em) surface fibric horizons. These soils may be
classified as Gleysolic Turbic Cryosols (Plate 14D).
Bedrock on fellfield ridges at or above 1525 m (5000 ft.) had
a very sparse and low plant cover, and no soil development was
detected.
5.4.3 Brooks Range
Sampling areas included active and fossil floodplains, alluvial
fan deposits entering valleys, lateral and other moraines left
by Pleistocene Valley glaciers, and colluvial slopes at higher
elevations.
96
.1 Active Floodplains
Permafrost is absent or undiscernable in these active floodplains.
Unconsolidated rounded gravels and sands predominate in very young
floodplains, where tall willow are common, and scattered mosses,
herbs and shrubs make up the ground cover. Soils are Regosols
and are similar to Plate lSA, except that the surface organic
horizon is absent or very thin. On slightly older sites, the
organic horizon may be 5 to 10 em thick (Plate lSA). Development
and differences of the youthful soils are probably not influenced
as much by different vegetation type as by site age .
. 2 Fossil Floodplains
The majority of fossil floodplain in the Brooks Range valleys
are rapidly drained because of the lack of deep silt deposition
over cobbles. As a result, terraces above present river courses
are level to gently sloping, with alpine meadow vegetation consisting
of mountain avens, grasses, sedges, some heaths and shrubs, and
a ground cover of lichens and mosses. Soils are characterized
by having a thick turfy Ah surface horizon Which grades into the
C horizon (Plate lSB) in the cases where there has been an accumulation
of silts and sands among the upper (O to 30 em) cobbles and gravels.
These soils would be classified as Lithic Regosols according to
the Canadian classification system, but might be better categorized
as Lithic Alpine Regosols because of the turfy Ah surface horizons.
PLATE lSA
PLATE l SD
PLATE lSC
PLATE lSB
PLATE lSA: Regosol with a very thin surface organic
horizon on an active floodplain of the Chandalar R .
PLATE lSB : Lithic Alpine Regosol or Lithic Regosol on a
fossil floodplain near the Canning R .
PLATE lSC : Lithic Alpine Eutric Brunisol on a fossil
floodplain terrace near Cane Creek.
PLATE lSD : Lithic Regosol on fossil floodplain of Cane
Creek.
PLATE lSE: Cumulic Gleysolic Static Cryosol on fossil
floodplain of the Chandalar R. PLATE lSE
PLATE 16A : Mesic or Humic Organa Cryosol on an alluvial
fa n deposit in the Cane Creek Pass area.
PLATE 16C : Lithic (Alpine) Regosol on a colluvial
s lope near Cane Creek Pass.
PLATE 168: Brunisolic Turbic Cryosol on a lateral moraine
near the Chandalar R.
PLATE 16D: Lithic Cumulic Regosol on a colluvial
slope near Cane Creek Pass.
)
I
\ 97
Better developed soils occur on fossil floodplain terraces where
-------------------------a--greater-aepos_o_it-iOn ___ o£ -iiin--aDlOWilor-wa.ter -carrie-a-Sflt~s-= an-a-=-sanas = ~-= ~-~--~-~----~--~-~-=---~
has taken place over porous gravels (Plate 15C). Here a turfy
Ah horizon occurs over a 5 -10 em Bm horizon. Vegetation provides
a heavier cover than on Lithic Alpine Regosols. The soil is classi-
fied as a Lithic Alpine Eutric Brunisol.
Fossil floodplains with 30_ em of silt loams over former river
gravels support an even heavier vegetation cover and are moderately
well drained. These soils may be classified as Lithic Regosols
(Plate 15D). The soil illustrated. supports scattered white spruce
vegetation, which is near its latitudinal limit here at 850 m
(2800 ft.).
A greater depth of fine textured materials on level topography
promotes the development of a Cumulic Gleysolic Static Cryosol
(Plate lSE). This particular soil is characterized by having
buried organic horizons, alternating layers of marl (deposited
in standing water) and mesic material (forming under present conditions)
which occurs at 790 m (2600 ft.). Active layer thickness is 70
em. Not far from this soil profile, a backswamp or strangmoor
terrain sub-type has developed where predominately sedge vegetation
exists over a Fibric Organa Cryosol. The active layer thickness
here averages 50 em.
98
.3 Alluvial Fan Deposits
These landforms are rapidly drained except near present drainage
channels. On the well drained sites, soils and vegetation are
similar to those found on well drained fossil floodplains (Plate 16A).
Drainage patterns over these alluvial fan deposits are responsible
for the development of Mesic or HUmic Organo Cryosols .
. 4 Valley Moraines
Lateral moraines deposited by Pleistocene valley glaciers are
composed of slightly worn angular limestone rocks in a sandy clay
loam matrix. Frost heaving is prevalent, but not dramatic because
of well to moderately well drained conditions. Alpine Dryas meadows
occur on these moraines at 915 m (3000 ft.) and Subalpine Dryas
shrub and open white spruce occur at 762 m (2500 ft.). Soils
are characterized by having a discontinuous Ah (0 to 10 em) or
H horizon over a Bm with variable (0 to 10 em) thickness. Horizons
are not buried but vary in depth and continuity because of frost
heaving (Plate 16B). Slightly gleyed and mixed BCg horizons occur
under the Bm. Structure of this lower region is generally amorphous
and the soil is best classified as a Brunisolic Turbic Cryosol.
Permafrost was encountered at 70 em in late August .
. 5 Colluvial Slopes
Colluvial slopes consist of mixed angular shale or limestone rocks
and silty loam materials. Well and rapidly drained slopes with
an abundance of fine textured materials among predominantly limestone
99
rocks are conducive for the development of a deep, humified surface
horizon which may extend to bedrock (40 em). The Canadian classifica-
tion system is inadequate to describe this profile though it may
be placed into the Lithic Regosol Subgroup. According to Ugolini
and Tedrow (1963) this soil could possibly fit into the Rendzina
subgroup, which is characterized by having some of its organic
carbon derived from the limestone itself, thus not being an inherent
product of development. This soil is illustrated in Plate 16C.
Colluvial slopes with an absence of fine textured materials, but
an abundance of fine shales surrounding larger limestone rocks,
have soils with only a 5 to 10 em surface Ah over the parent material.
This soil would be classified as a Lithic Curnulic Regosol (Plate
16D) and in areas where bedrock is exposed, it would be called
a "non-soil". Alpine heath and Dryas meadows occur on these colluvial
slopes.
5.4.4 Arctic Foothills
Sampling in the Arctic Foothills section was confined to rounded
silt-mantled slopes (AAGSC, 1974), originally deposited as lateral
moraines in outer mountain valleys and terminal and end moraines
some distance north of the mountains.
On these slopes, drainage is generally poor to very poor because
of the silty clay textures of the parent materials. Near the
tops of these morainal hills on gentle to strong slopes, and under
tussock tundra vegetation, drainage is imperfect to poor. Surface
100
organic horizons which are mainly fibric are 10 to 15 am thick
in a 20 to 30 am active layer. A thin ( 2 - 3 am) Ah may be present
just under the Of. The saturated 10 to 15 am mineral ACg is strongly
gleyed. The soil is a Gleysolic Static or Turbic Cryosol (see
Plate 17B for similar profile).
On strong to steep slopes with poor drainage, soil movement appears
to be continuous and the SO am active layer is composed of a hetero-
genous organic -mineral mix. Solifluction is an important process
for the maintenance of this Regosolic or Gleysolic Turbic Cryosol
under dwarf shrub -sedge meadows. Near the bottom of solifluction
slopes, where accumulation of materials from the slopes occurring
for a long time, Mesic Organa Cryosols have developed under dwarf
shrub-sedge meadows (see Plate 16A for a similar type profile).
5.4.5 Arctic Coastal Plain
.1 Active Floodplains
Several floodplains were sampled near the Canning and Sagavanirktok
rivers. Alternating layers of silts and organic materials identify
this particular soil as a Cumulic Regosolic Static Cryosol on the
assumption that permafrost is absent within 1 m of the surface
by late summer (Plate 17A). Other soils in the area on the same
landfrom may have cobbles near the surface. Vegetation on this
particular soil is classified as a Dryas shrub-sedge meadow which
contains an abundance of leguminous species (OxytPopis, AstPagaZus
spp.).
------------------------~--··--------
PLATE 1 7E
PLATE 17D
PLATE 17 A : Cumulic Regosolic Static Cryosol on an active floodplain near the Canning R.
PLATE 178: Gleysolic Turbic or Static Cryosol on a fossil floodplain near the Sagavanirktok R .
PLATE 17C : Lithic Static Cryosol on a fossil floodplain near the Kongakuk R .
PLATE 17D: Gleysolic Static Cryosol on a fossil lake basin near the Okerokovik R.
PLATE 17E: Gleysolic Turbic Cryosol on a silt mantled slope near the Okerokovik R.
101
.2 Fossil Floodplains
These terraiti-tniits-occli:PY fairlY extensive areas-aion~(stream.s-------· -------
flowing north across the flat coastal plain. Soil and vegetation
development seem to depend more on the thickness of silt deposition
over cobbles than on the distance from the present stream, or
time since initial deposition.
Areas of silt deposition are very poorly drained and have thin
active layers (30 to 40 ern). Frost heaved features are present,
though not prominent. Mineral horizons are strongly gleyed with
some mottles. The fibric organic horizon varies in depth (5 -
20 ern). because of frost heaving. It is usually underlain by a
thin Ah or AB (1 to 2 em) which is bron in color. These soils
may be classified as Gleysolic Turbic (or Static) Cryosols (Plate 17B).
With age these regions may develop into high centre polygon terrain
in which case Fibric Organo Cryosols may occur on the high centres
with low shrub-heath vegetation.
In areas where silt deposition over cobbles is absent, or where
cobbles occur at the surface, moderately well to well drained
conditions exist in the top 30 em, but imperfect to poorly drained
conditions can exist just above permafrost. Under less well drained
conditions (i.e. cobbles and silt mixture), a 10 to 15 ern surface
organic horizon occurs, while in well to rapidly drained conditions
(sand and cobble mixture) Lithic Static Cryosols occur under heath-
sedge vegetation (Plate 17C).
102
.3 Fossil Lake Basins
Plate-I7D illustrates-a-Gleysolic Static Cryosol tmder wet seCI.ge-
meadow vegetation and under the influence of poorly drained conditions
with the water table just above permafrost. Organo Cryosols occur
under very poorly drained conditions where the water table is
at the surface .
.4 Silt-Mantled Slopes and Moraine Sediments
These terrain units occur between river systems, and are generally
poorly drained due to fine textured parent materials. Under tussock
tundra vegetation on silt-mantled slopes, active layers vary in
depth (30 to 60 em) and soil profiles contain a mixture of horizons
which are commonly gleyed. These soils are classified as Gleysolic
Turbic Cryosols (Plate 17E).
103
5.5 Successional Trends
An estimate of the time necessary to develop a vegetation type is important
in predicting the rate of vegetation change for various habitat and land
surface types after disturbance. Therefore variously aged communities
within the same successional sere need to be identified in order to ascertain
structural sequences of vegetation leading to stable or longer lasting
community types.
Forested stands are simplest to place within a sere since ages can be
estimated by tree ring counts. Shrub vegetation is difficult to age
since parts of the crown of the larger shrubs were usually decayed.
However the sequence of a sere can usually be established if enough samples
are taken from the right vegetation types. If plant communities contain
no trees or shrubs, placement into a sere is difficult. The practical
stand ages (mean age of oldest 25% of the population) (Table 3) are used
to rank the sites according to the age of either a continuously occurring
population or a series of populations that overlap in age structure.
Since woody tissue is needed to age the populations the occurrence of
herbaceous stages in the sere can cause errors in the estimate of time
since disturbance or colonization. Subsequent unmonitored disturbances
which retard the successional sequence may also increase errors in time
estimation. The number of stands utilized to characterize a sere varies
from 6 to 12 and included some herbaceous vegetation types.
Western Porcupi.,..
Plateau .
Southern Foothills
Southern
!--Brooks Range
Central
and
Northern
Arctic Foothills
and
Coastal Plain
l TREE SPECIES LEGEND:
STANn PSA ws 1
X Max. X
2 162 110 191
4 130 83 156 58
6 71 42 48 18
7 223 143 241
8 152 87 220 31
9 112 76 135 44
10 100 47 54 61
13 164 144 166
14 56 34 41
23 29
25 26
26 181 126 242
88 32
89 24
93 260 134 286
96 98 98 193
98 45
99 250 146 267
34 19
63 44
64 26
66 28
67 34
72 14
77 100
78 39
27 32
29 25
30 34
42 20
43 20
50 86
51 46
I
wS = white spruce (Picea glauca)
A = alder (Alnus crispa) _
dB = dwarf birch (Betula glandulosa)
wB -white birch (Betula papvrifera)
Table 3
A
Max. x
72 45
22
Practical stand age (PSA) and mean and maximum
ages by species of the stands with trees and
shrubs > lm.
dB wB w Sg
Max. X Max. X Max. X Mar.
45 107 107
5"6 74 18 29
13 15 -~ --------lOci 45
81
20 36
22 26
36 39
18 24
18 29
115 50 59
83 109
34 44
24 30
W = willow (Salix spp.)
Sg = willow (Salix glauca)
15
20
27
36
20
15
14
20
11
25
22
28
13
13
20
Sa = willow (Salix alaxensis)
19
26
32
75
26
25
20
28
16
35
25
36
25
23
24
Sp = willow (Salix planifolia pulchra)
Sa
X Mar.
38 38
22 26
18 33
45 45
31 42
32 32
23 42
23 29
32 40
44 48
32 52
Sll Bo bPo Sc
X Max X Max. X Max. X Max.
68 68
45 67
13 16 • 13 14
---
14
8
30
24
46
78 145
45
I
I
65 96
'
Bo = shrub birch (Bet'ula occidentalis)
bPo balsam poplar (Populus bdeamifera)
Sc = soapberry (Shepnerdia canadensis)
Most of the herb and grass vegetation of the Arctic Coastal Plain, the
·::ArcticFoothins-an.d· Brooks 1fufige-_Pliysiographic Prcnrinces is difficult
to place within a traditional successional sequence since definite stand
105
ages are unknown. In this case the best estimte of successional relationships
is ascertained by placing the stands from related habitats and terrain
units into a sequence within a sere by evaluating soil maturity and
ground cover composed of fewer and fewer species known to colonize disturbed
areas. Some species may also assume roles in both disturbed and stable
communities which also increases the complexity of sere identification.
5.5.1 Porcupine Plateau
Stands are divided into riparian or upland seres on the basis
of location and species composition. Upland succession occurs
most usually after fires and/or slope failure. The sere toward
white spruce forest climax on alluvium is identified by balsam
poplar and white spruce forest types on river terraces. Balsam
poplar occurs as a well developed forest species at 65 years on
the youngest sites sampled (Fig. 9A). White spruce is already
prominent in the low or tall shrub strata at this time. The evidence
indicates that white spruce replaces balsam poplar as a dominant
species after about 125 years of balsam poplar colonization.
A high cover of the low shrub, herb and grass category is represented
at 65 years by Arctic bearberry (APatostaphyZos PUhPa), wintergreen
(PyPoZa PotundifoZia gPandifZoPa), river beauty (EpiZobium ZatifoZium)
and polar grass (APctagPostis ZatifoZia ZatifoZia). The latter
two species are probably remnants of the earlier stages of the
106
sere and can be found abundantly on open gravel bars. White spruce
foresrs -were-well developed ISO years after mi ttal establiShment. -
By this time balsam poplar occurs only as old, widely scattered
trees and the ground cover has changed from predominantly vascular
species to mosses. Wintergreen remains a dominant understory
species with moss (HyZoaomium spZendens~ Rhytidium rugosum) and
willow (Salix gZauaa aautifolia) being more abundant than at the
younger sites (Fig. 9A). The white spruce community probably
represents a traditional temperate climax state. However, an
increasing surface organic layer thickness in combination with
increased shading by the tree canopy appears to result in a decrease
in the active layer thickness. Older (> 200 years) sites reflect
the colder, wetter soil environment by a reduction in the forest
canopy and increase in vascular ground cover as mosses decrease
in importance. Therefore, the white spruce forest type may not be
an acceptable example of a climax community, but this is relative
to the time scale used and the type of climax concept. Important
lower stratum species include lingonberry, alpine blueberry, sedges
(Carex bigeZowii~ C. rar·iflora), Labrador tea and mosses (Dia:r>anum
aautifolium~ Tomenthypnum nitens) which reached a mean cover of
50% at 250 year old sites (Fig. 9A). Age estimates of widely
scattered white spruce indicate that the length of time necessary
to attain this heath-sedge community from newly depos1ted river
gravels is greater than 300 years. The assumption, however, that
alluvium ultimately supports a heath-sedge vegetation type may
not be true in all situations.
·PORCUPINE PLATEAU
A
50
White Spruce 0
50
Balsam Poplar 0
50
"' Alder 0 IU
~ ~ ~ u
J'
0 so z
::I
0 ! a: Willow 0 j• C) :I ~ 0
z so
< IU
~ Low shrub 1 0 herb & grass
so
Moss 0
50
Lichen 0 •
so
0 so ISO 200 2SO
RELATIVE TIME SINCE DISTURBANCE (YRS.)
B
so
White Spruce 0
so
White Birch 0
so
"' Alder 0 • ~ u
0 so z
::I
0 Salix "' 0 C> glauco acutifolia
~ 0
z so
< w
~ Low shrub 1 0 herb & grass
so
Moss 0
so
Lichen 0 •
50
50 100 ISO 2 0
RELATIVE TIME SINCE DISTURBANCE ( YRS.)
FIGURE 9. SUCCESSIONAL TRENDS AS MEASURED BY
STRATA GROUND COVER PERCENTAGE
ON RIPARIAN "')AND UPLAND (B)
COMMUNITIES
---~----
Upland slopes that have had fires or surface failures and populated
by P~lR~r~~lJ;i.r<;h ~Y~n!Yally_~sJ:;ahlish~_s __ a __ fQ_res_t ~ t)Q)e __ )[ege_tation __ - - - -
(at about SO years). Again a white spruce forest community is
107
given climax status in terms of more temperate monoclimatic concepts.
Upland disturbance by fire or land slides has not been frequent
in the area and no sites younger than 70 years were identified.
By this time a well developed forest of paper birch with smaller
and younger white spruce is evident, especially on south slopes.
The ground cover includes mainly reed bent grass and bluejoint
(CaZamagrostis purpurasaens~ C. canadensis), lingonberry, mosses
(AuZoaomnium turgidum~ HyZoaomium spZendens) and lichen (ParmeZia
suZaata) which constitute a major portion of the total vegetation
cover (Fig. 9B). Moss and lingonberry probably represent a more
mature portion of the sere. White spruce begins to dominate the
sere about 110 years after establishment, at which time the percent
cover of white birch decreases sharply (Fig. 9B).
An increase in the abundance of heaths is apparent after about
130 years of white spruce establishment. The increase follows
a low in the vascular ground cover category which occurred before
the heaths were well established at a time of high tall shrub
(alder) cover. The increase in abundance of crowberry, lingonberry,
Labrador tea, alpine blueberry and lichens (Cetraria pinastri~
SereoaauZon grande~ CZadonia spp.) continues until 135 years after
white spruce establishment and is relatively high to about 165
years (Fig. 9B). The abundance of HyZoaomium spZendens decreases
at about 130 years at which time other moss species (AuZoaomnium
108
turogidum, Rhytidium :raugosum) become more dominant. The general
trend of the sere is. towards a more open xeric vegetation type
with a predominant low shrub-heath ground cover and open white
spruce and some willow (Salix glauaa aautifolia) as taller shrubs.
This vegetation type may be near a climax status, although the
reduction of white spruce may continue to occur. The sites represented
by this vegetation type still have some small solifluction activity,
but generally the surface appears to be relatively stable and
fires may be necessary to initiate further slumping and the re-
establishment of white birch.
No definitive sere is identified for the alpine and subalpine
areas since no reliable age data were available. However, sites
in the alpine areas can be positioned into a hypothetical sequence
on the basis of increased plant cover and soil development. The
divergence of the successional trend into different seres is related
to elevation, exposure and drainage conditions. Open communities
of mountain avens and dwarf netted willow (Salix :raetiaulata :raetiaulata)
with holy grass and lichen (Aleato:raia tenuis) are used to represent
the younger sites both in the Porcupine Plateau and adjacent Southern
Foothills. Low willow and mountain avens with some heaths and
sedges represent more mature areas on slopes having a continuous
vegetative cover. The abundance of heaths increases on slopes
with south exposures, and sedges with some heaths represent mature
portions of seres on top of large solifluction slopes that have
adequate moisture. The trend at these sites is for a decrease
in active layer depths and soil aeration accompanying an increase
in the depth of the organ1c mat on the surface.
109
5.5.2 Southern Foothills
--
Riparian sites with low or tall shrubs and white spruce are the
only areas with enough age data for placement into a successional
sequence toward white spruce climax. The low shrub and alpine
meadow communities are assessed on a more subjective basis and
successional aspects are similar to those given for the Porcupine
Plateau.
Shrub and heath vegetation on a high stream terrace contain a
number of 23 year old willow (SaZix gZauaa gZauaa), but judging
from the high amount of ground cover of lingonberry, alpine blueberry
and bearberry, the vegetation is from a relatively mature portion
of the sere. Fescue grass (Festuaa aZtaiaa) and horsetail (Equisetum
arvense) are the only prominent species from earlier successional
seres and are more abundant on younger alluvium. The high average
moss cover (28%) is represented by HyZaomium spZendens~ Meesia
uZiginosa~ and Rhytidium Pugosum. Dwarf birch (BetuZa nana exiZis)
abundance is higher on sites with less slope and white spruce
abundance is higher on southern exposures on sites at least 50
years old. _ The absence of white spruce and hence continuous age
records in the earlier portion of the sere probably results in
an underestimate of the time for development (Fig. 10). In general,
the trend is for an increase in white spruce , dwarf birch and
heaths and a slight decrease in moss cover even though additional
species (e.g. Catasaopium nigPitum) occur with HyZoaomium spZendens
110
Bt~tula nona t~xilis 0
50
co:
w Salix
> glauco glauco 0 0
u
0
z
:::>
0 co:
C>
z
<(
w
:!:
50
Low shrub, 0
herb & grass
50
Moss 0
50
Lichen 0
---
SOUTHERN FOOTHILLS
50~--------------------.---------------------.------o 25 50
RELATIVE TIME SINCE COLONIZATION ( YRS.)
FIGURE 10. SUCCESSIONAL TRENDS AS MEASURED BY
STRATA GROUND COVER PERCENTAGE
ON RIPARIAN COMMUNITIES.
111
and Rhytidium Y'ugosum. The widespread low heath and willow shrub
. C()IIn!l~~t:i~s_ ~ls() I'(;pre~nt:_~. fairly st.ab]_~P-~l'_tio]1_0:f" Ci se~~
Dwarf birch and willow (SaZix gZauaa var. aautifoZia) were a maximum
of 30 years old, but this age probably does not include previously
discussed vegetation types (mountain avens and lichen or wet sedge).
A change from this community to wet sedge, cotton grass and moss
types with an increase in insulative cover and decrease in active
layer depth is probable. The length of time necessary for this
transition is greater than 200 years, however.
5.5.3 Brooks Range
The Brooks Range is divided into two sect~ons, southern and northern
on the basis of sere similarily, the last taking in most of the
central area of the range as well. Riparian areas again are the
only sites with definite age structure, providing the best evidence
of a successional sequence .
. 1 Southern Section
The lower elevations of the valleys (760 m) (2500 ft.) contain
a riparian pioneer corrmnmity that is dominated by balsam poplar
and willow (SaHx aZaxensis aZaxensis, S. pZanifoZia puZahY'a).
The youngest of these communities sampled was 35 years old. A
high ground cover of vascular species (AY'atagPostis ZatifoZia
ZatifoZia, CaZamagY'ostis pUPpuY'asaens, HedysaY'um aZpinum, CZaytonia
aautifoZia) and mosses (Onaopho1'us wahZenbeY'gii, Thuidium abietinum)
occurs at these sites (Fig. 11).
1-'
1-'
SOUTHERN BROOKS RANGE ~..)
50
White Spruce 0
50
Balsam Poplar 0
50
Willow a: f Salix alaxensis 1 0 w > 5. Janota
0 5. p/anifolia/ u
50
0 z Low shrub , ::J 0 0 h•rb & grass a:
C>
~ 50
0
z
c{ Moss 0 w
~
50
Lichen 0
so I
0 50 100 150 200 1250
RELATIVE TIME SINCE COLONIZATION ( YRS.)
FIGURE 11. SUCCESSIONAL TRENDS AS MEASURED BY
STRATA GROUND COVER PERCENTAGE
ON RIPARIAN COMMUNITiES.
113
Felt-leaf willow forms a dense tall shrub strata at this time
and -has . a-wider -distribution -than balsam~-poplar, whicll--is~-usuaJ.ly-~. ~
no longer dominant after 75 years. A gradual shift to other willow
(SaZix pZanifoZia puZa~a~ s. Zanata ~iaha~dsonii) occurs at about
100 years after felt-leaf willow establishment. High lichen cover,
mainly of Cetraria riahardsonii and P~meZia panniformis is evident
early in the sere. A reduction in low shrub, herb, grass and
moss cover occurs at about 50 years at which time pioneer species
become less frequent, probably due to an increase in shrub and
tree shading. Cover values of low shrubs begin to increase again
as mountain avens, crowberry, lingonberry, bearberry and blueberry
become more abundant with white spruce which appears after about
55 years of balsam poplar dominance (Fig. 11). Later trends (200-
270 years) are toward a xeric low shrub savanna as the heath species
increase and white spruce decreases in abundance.
A split in the sere is also possible at this time if side slope
drainage is impeded by an accumulation of the surface organic
mat and a resulting shallower active layer. The end point for
this trend appears to be a wet sedge (C~ex Zimosa~ c. bigeZowii)
meadow with some low willow shrubs (SaZix pZanifoZia puZah~a).
Although the total moss cover decreases in the later stages, AuZoaomnium
turgidum~ Rhytidium rugosum and HyZoaomium. spZendens are still
prominent.
The successional trends on the more upland sites proceed from
open gravelly or rocky colluvium to a closed meadow type of community.
However, low and dwarf shrub vegetation may be a relatively stable
114
type on southern exposures. Mountain avens and moss campion were
······· · · -----found--to-be--presen~-on-rel-a"~ive±y~yeung,--r>0e.ky-subs't-Fa·tum.--Sites ---·
with an increase in vegetative cover and soil development contain
mountain avens, sedges (Carex sairpoidea, C. misandra), Lapland·
cassiope and moss (Rhytidiwn rugoswn). Areas with less slope
contain a higher cover of sedges (Carex bigelowii, C. vaginata)
and lingonberry with willow (Salix gZauaa acutifoZia) which probably
becomes less dominant with development of the sere .
. 2 Northern Brooks Range
Successional trends for riparian sites are similar for a large portion
of the Brooks Range, but some species of willow (Salix aratiaa~
s. aratophila~ s. retiaulata retiaulata) are more common in the
section near the northern foothills. A wide enough range of sites
was sampled to ascertqin seral characteristics from about 10 to
90 years of vascular plant colonization (Fig. 12). The increase
in the number of vascular species after colonization is the most
dramatic change and remains high throughout the sere. Felt-leaf
willow (Salix alaxensis alaxensis) appears early in the sere and
is usually a dominant feature of the communities ten years after
its initial establishment. Other important species at this time
are aster (Aster sibiriaus), horsetail (Equisetum arvense), polar
grass, loco-weed (Oxytropis borealis) and mosses (Onaophorus wahlen-
bergii, Bryum pseudotriquestrwn~ Braahytheaium turgidwn~ Drepanoaladus
revolvens). A change in the shrub dominance from felt-leaf willow
to Salix planifolia pulahra and S. glauaa aautifolia appears to
occur at about 30 years after deposition (Fig. 12). Increaser
115
NORTHERN BROOKS RANGE
50
Salix
spp. 0
50
Salix 0 planifolia -------· a:: w
> 50 0 u
Salix 0 0 alaxensis z
::::>
0 50 a::
~
Salix
~ reticulata 0
0
z 50
< w low shrub, ~ herb & 0
grass
50
Moss 0
50
lichen 0
50
0 15 30 45 60 75 90
RELATIVE TIME SINCE COLONJZATION (YRS.)
FIGURE 12. SUCCESSIONAL TRENDS AS MEASURED BY
STRATA GROUND COVER PERCENTAGE
ON RIPARIAN COMMUNITIES.
116
species in the middle portion (45 years) of the sere include hedysarum
. -..... -(fl.eaysai'Wn ma:cK.eiizii) ,--ArctiC: bearberry; toco·;;;;we·ed toxytl•opis rJampestris
gracilis), yarrow ~chillea borealis), river beauty (Epilobium
latifolium), groundsel (Senecio residifolius) and soapberry.
Mosses (Rhytidium rugosum," Hy'locomium Bplendens, Aulocomn~um turgidum)
become more abundant during this stage of the sere and continue
to increase in ground cover with further sere development. Willows
(Salix hastata, S. planifolia pulchra) and soapberry remain as
the dominant shrubs for at least 90 years, but there are some
changes in ground cover species with dwarf birch, brome grass
(Bromus pumpe l Zianus) , mountain avens , Lapland cassiope, alpine
blueberry and mosses (Thuidium.abietinum, Eurhynchium pulchellum)
becoming more dominant. Some of the irregularity in the low shrub,
herb and grass category.was attributed to compositional changes
in the sere progression.· The direction of the sere after 90 years
may be toward an alpine heath-Dryas meadow if the site is not
affected by drainage from the surrounding slopes. If drainage
becomes increasing poor, a wet sedge meadow (Carex membranacea,
C. b-igelow·i-i) community may develop ... The amount of time necessary
for such development is probably greater than 150 years.
Some riparian sites near perennial springs and underground water
flow may support a long lasting sub-climax balsam poplar forest
type. Understory species of Arctic bearberry, wintergreen and
lingonberry indicate a trend toward a heath shrub community.
However soapberry, groundsel, river beauty, brome grass and larkspur
----~---~-~-----~-------~---~------------------~~----------·-~-----·--·-~-
(Delphinium brachycentrum) are still common and may be evidence
__ q[ _a__relativel)l' _e_ar ly __ {J_Q~ )/'ears_ since __ colonization}_ part_,of~the ----__ _
sere. This corrnm.mity is widely disjunct in the northern part
of the mountains where balsam poplar is at the limit of its range.
Other environmental factors probably important in determining
117
the location of this community, other than ground water and coarse
substrata, include the accumulation of deep snow and topographic
protection from winter winds. The low density of the lower balsam
poplar size classes may indicate a transition toward low shrub
vegetation types, however the smaller trees are browsed quite heavily
by moose.
Successional trends on upland areas are again not well defined,
but the development of stable, continuously vegetated meadows
from rocky substrata is indicated. Open rocky and xeric communities
of sedge (Carex macrochaeta, C. misandra), netted willow, mosses
(Rhacomitrium Zanuginosum, Rhizocarpon geographicum) and lichens
(ParmeZia panniformis, AZectoria nitiduZa) are given colonizer
status. The developmental trend is generally toward alpine tundra
vegetation with dwarf heath shrubs (Lapland cassiope, alpine
blueberry), sedges, mountain avens and moss (Tomenthypnum nitens).
Stable communities of dwarf birch and heaths are common on drier
southern exposures and are probably a stable, long lasting vegetation
type. Areas with less slope (solifluction plateaus and flat ridge
tops) usually contained wet sedge meadows (Carex membranacea,
Dryas integrifoZia integrifoZia, Tomenthypnum nitens). These
118
sites are poorly drained with thin active layers (30 -40 em)
----------- - --and~t-hiek~su-r-faee-er-ganie--layel's-cl:ue-te-t-hei-r~-pFex-imi"t-y~te--st-l'eams--
or snow banks. Slope failure on wet areas are colonized by willow
(SaZix gZauca acutifoZia), Arctic bearberry, polar grass and horsetail
(Equisetum aPVense). More xeric sites on slopes and alluvial
gravels at high elevations . (1200 m) (3900 ft.) contain a longer
lasting sparse vegetation of willow (SaZix gZauca acutifoZia),
hedysarum, loco-weed (OxytPopis boPeaZis~ 0. campestPis gPaciZis)
and cinquefoil (PotentiZZa bifZoPa).
5.5.4 Arctic Foothills and Coastal Plain
Most vegetation types of the foothills and coastal plain are difficult
to place into a successional sequence. Stands with ascertainable
population age structures include mainly those from riparian sites
and those in more upland sites with willow and birch shrubs.
Most of the information in Figure 13 is from stands in the foothills,
but similar coastal plain riparian stands are also included.
Species of the early (20 -30 years) stages on river alluvium
include aster (AsteP sibiPicus), river beauty, groundsel (Senecio
atPopUPpUPeus [Pigidus), horsetail (Equisetum aPVense), reed bent
grass, moss (EUPhynchium puZcheZZum) and felt-leaf willow (SaZix
aZaxensis aZaxensis). Other species of willow (SaZix pZanifoZia
puZchPa, S. Zanata PichaPdsonii~ S. gZauca) eventually replace
felt-leaf willow and are the dominant shrub at 45 -50 years.
An increase in the abundance of larkspur (Delphinium gZaucum),
---------------------------------------------------
-------------ARCHG---FOGTHilLS--ANI)--COASTAl--PlAIN---------
co: w > 0 u
0 z
:::>
0
co:
l!>
~ 0
z
<(
w
~
50
Salix 0 Spp.
50
Salix 0 glauco -·-·-
50
Salix 0 Ia nata
50
Salix 0 planifolia
50
Low shrub,
herb & grass 0
Moss
Lichen
50
0
50
0
50
0 25 50 75 100
RELATIVE TIME SINCE COLONIZATION ( YRS.)
FIGURE 13. SUCCESSIONAL TRENDS AS MEASURED
BY STRATA GROUND COVER PERCENTAGE
ON RIPARIAN COMMUNITIES.
119
120
Jacob's ladder, lupine and Arctic bearberry also occur at this
time, but there was a general decrease in total vascular ground
cover (Fig. 13). Older (about 90 years) portions of the sere
contain elements of a trend toward low willow sedge communities
as indicated by an increase in the amount of sedges (Carex bigeZowii~
c. rariftora) cotton grass (E~iophorum vaginatum), dwarf willow
(Salix aratiaa~ s. phZebophylZa), alpine blueberry and louseworts
(PediauZaris langsdorfii~ P. vertiailZata). A more mature portion
of the sere was also indicated by ail increase in moss cover mainly
of Saorpidium turgesaens~ HyZoaomium splendens and Onoaophorus
wahZenbergii,.
The younger surfaces on ~he ,coastal plain beyond well developed
tall shrub distribution contain fairly open, gravelly areas with
milkvetch (Astragalus aZpinus aratiaus~. A. alpinus alpinus), mountain
avens, brom~ grass, minuarta (Minuariia aratiaa) and low willow
(Salix sphenophyZZa~ S. braahyaarpa niphoaZada~ s. ovalifolia
ovaZifoZia) ~ Sites with a> better developed vegetative cover and
soil contain sedge (Carex sairpoidea), Lapland cassiope and alpine
blueberry. Mountain avens and dwarf willow (Salix sphenophyUa)
are well represented throughout the proposed sere. Total moss
cover increases with site age with a shift in dominance from Bryum
spp. and Tortula ruralis to PoZytriaum striatum~ Rhytidium rugosum
and Onoaophorus wahZenbergii.
I,
I
Stable climax communities on upland sites are more difficult to
ascertain, but trends towards wet sedge, tussock tundra and dwarf
shrub heath communities are indicated. Species showing inclination
to populate disturbed areas include mountain avens, polar grass,
bluegrass (Poa aratiaa) and cloudberry (Rubus ahamaemorus), but
cotton grass and sedges may also assume an increaser role in this
area. The length of time necessary for the development of these
communities may be much longer than most traditional temperate
seres. The establishment of fairly continuous vegetative cover
on river terraces takes at least 40 years and this community is
still relatively immature.
5.5.5 Summarization
A general trend in all of the physiographjc provinces is for an
increase in vegetation cover on new or disturbed areas accompanied
121
by an increased surface organic layer thickness, and a resultant
decrease in the active layer depth, soil drainage, soil temperature,
and hence biological activity. An increase in the number of species
accompanied the increase in plant cover throughout most of the
successional stages, but a decrease in the number of species occur
at some of the sites which are given climax status (white spruce
forest). The high frequency of natural disturbance due to frost
action may inhibit the formation of stable climax communities.
However, long-lasting types of vegetation are indicated for all
physiographic provinces and a relatively long time period is required
for their development when comparing seres to more temperate examples.
122
Evidence of natural disturbance is connnon in all of the physiographic
· --·· ------provmces~ -Fires fiave-ocC:urred._m_tlle-Porcup-iile-P.1atea1.i an.a-southern __ _
Foothills areas, but a complex and recent fire history is not
evident. Low heath shrub, tall willow heath shrub and low heath
willow shrub vegetation types are probably the most susceptible
to burning. This assessment is made on the basis of the dense,
continuous vegetation cover of which there is a major portion
including heaths and dwarf birch having resinous leaves. Slope
failures are commonly evident, although recent ones are infrequent.
Solifluction is the most connnon type of disturbance found. The
most active slope movement is associated with silty textures,
drainage from higher, adjacent areas and high ice content permafrost.
Areas with thicker active layers (> 80 em) on south exposures
also contains solifluction lobes, but these are usually more stable,
and contain older communities.
Solifluction is also common in the Brooks Range being found on
most slopes. Unstable scree is also a common feature of the area
as is the undercutting of slopes by rivers. Frost-associated
processes are common in some ~reas of the Brooks Range, but became
more abundant rock as well as the more typical low and high centre
polygons, sorted and non-sorted nets, frost stripes, sorted circles
and earth hummocks. Solifluction lobes are common in both provinces,
but are most frequent on the hilly terrain of the foothills.
Evidence of fire was not found north of the southern Brooks Range.
A number of species are consistently found to be pioneers in disturbed
areas or on newly deposited rock or soil and are listed in Table
4.
123
Table 4. Pioneer species on riparian and upland sites in the physiographic provinces
Habitat Physiographic~----------------------------------r-------------------------------------
Province
Porcupine
Plateau
Southern
Foothills
Brooks
Range
Arctic
Foothills
&
Arctic
Coastal
Plain
Riparian
--------
Arctagrostis latifolia ssp.
latifolia, Epilobium latifolium,
Populus balsamifera
Festuca altaica, Equisetum
arvense
Salix alaxensis var. alaxensis,
Arctagrostis latifolia var.
latifolia, Calamagrostis pur-
purascens, Hedysarum alpinum,
Claytonia acutifolia, Aster
sibiricus, Equisetum arvense,
Oxytropis borealis, Bromus
pumpellianus ssp. arcticus,
Cetraria richardsonii, Pa~elia
panniformis, Onocophorus
wahlenbergii, Bryum pseudotri-
questrum, Brachythecium turgi-
dum, Drepanocladus revolvens
Aster sibiricus, Epilobium
latifolium, Senecio atropur-
pureus ssp. frigidus, Calama-
grostis purpurascens, Astragalus
arcticus, A. alpinus, Bromup
pumpellianus, Minuartia
arctica, Salix spp.~Eurhynchium
pulcheUum
Upland
--
Calamagrostis purpurascens, C.
canadensis, Rosa acicularis,
Par.melia sulcata, Dr-yas integPifolia
ssp. integrifolia, Hierochloe alpina,
Alectoria tenuis
Dryas integrifolia ssp. integrifolia,
Hierochloe alpina
Dryas integrifolia ssp. integrifolia,
Silene acaulis, Carex microchaeta,
C. misandra, Salix reticulata ssp.
reticulata, Rhacomitrium lanuginosum,
Rhizocarpon geographicum, Par.melia
pannifo~is, Alectoria nitidula
Dryas integrifolia var. integrifolia,
Arctagrostis latifolia var. latifolia,
Poa arctica, Rubus chamaemorus, Salix
reticulata ssp. reticulata
124
5.6 Biotic and Abiotic Relationships
Several significant relationships between environmental variables are
indicated by simple correlation. However, a screening of the results
is necessary in order to-dTscara-correiafions wfi.ic:n-:nave :rnirrilllal-e-coto-gica-1-----
value (e.g. positive relationship between distance from the coast and
elevation} (Table 5).
Microrelief is greater on the steeper slopes than on the level low-lying
areas. Solifluction lobes tend to increase in size as the slopes steepen,
whereas frost action on the more level areas of the coastal plain did
not cause microrelief greater than 1 m. The increase in micro-habitat
diversity with microrelief is indicated by an increase in the number
of species per area sampled. This is most evident in communities of
dwarf shrub-sedge meadows in the foothills and alpine Dryas-sedge meadows
in the Brooks Range and in some wet sedge meadows and low shrub-sedge
meadows and hunnnocky tundra on the coastal plain. There is a percent
increase of moss and low shrubs and herb cover with microrelief. The
increase of plant cover on slopes with more northerly aspects may in
part reflect a more amenable. environment of east and west exposures.
In some cases, south exposures present a fairly xeric environment and
hence low plant cover.
Negative relationships occur between vascular ground cover and lichen
cover, and also between tree cover and species number and between tree
cover and low shrub and herb cover. Lichen cover is usually higher in
the earlier stages of successional seres, especially in alpine areas,
, ___________ _ -----------------------~-------~---~---~·------
Table 5. Simple correlation between the physical and biotic factors measured at each stand.
Significance is indicated for probability > .05 as either + or -Number of observations
ranged from 17 to 99.
Variables
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11:
Km from coast 1
Elevation ASL 2 +
% slope 3 +
Cm microrelief 4 +
Degrees from south 5
Simpson species diversity 6
No. species per stand 7 + +
% cover trees 8
% cover med. & tall shrubs 9
% cover low shrubs & herbs 10 + +
% cover mosses 11 +
% cover lichens 12
I-'
N
CJ1
126
and decreases in the later stages as the vascular cover increases. In
forest habitats low shrub and herb cover and species number decreases
due to an increased tree canopy and shading which was evident in more
mature portions of some seres.
An inverse relationship also occurs between the Simpson Species Diversity
Index and moss and tree cover. High moss cover is often associated with
wet, poorly drained sites which usually have a low specie~ diversity
as well as low species riclmess. However, species diversity and species
riclmess are not positively related since diversity is a measure of spatial
density as well as the species number per unit area.
Sites containing tree and medium tall shrub strata are analyzed separately
for relationships between biotic variables and physical characteristics
(Appendix 5) . Since forested and medium (> 1 m) and tall (> 2 m) shrub
sites occur mainly in the southern portion of the study area, the maximum
number of observations (stands) with forest characteristics is 25. The
reduction of variables is due to the restrictions of forest and tall
shrub species to a few sites.· Again only the more meaningful relationships
are discussed.
Alders are more abundant on steeper slopes and on older riparian sites
which are indicated by stands with taller balsam poplar and greater balsam
poplar.and willow (SaZix pZanifoZia puZa~a) ages all of which are positively
correlated. Average age increase of balsam poplar is also correlated
with an increase in microrelief and probably the amount of frost action
127
with site maturity. A negative relationship is found between slope steepness
and dwarf birch growth increment.
Felt-leaf willow and other willow species have greater densities and
heights on more northerly exposed slopes. Simpson species diversity
and white spruce, balsam poplar and willow growth increment are positively
correlated which may indicate better soil nutrient conditions at some
of the riparian sites or at least an environment more amenable to the
growth of a greater number of species in the earlier part of the seres.
A negative relationship was indicated between balsam poplar growth increment
and tree age.
Species richness increases with white birch and balsam poplar age and
is a normal trend during succession after disturbance on upland and riparian
sites. There is a decrease in species richness which is associated with
the more mature portion of these seres as measured by white spruce density
and percent tree cover.
White spruce growth increment is higher at sites with a higher canopy
cover which is usually produced by either white birch or balsam poplar.
Medium and tall shrub cover increases with ages of white birch and balsam
poplar, whereas low shrub, herb, and grass cover is higher at sites with
older white spruce and lower at sites with high cover of balsam poplar
and white birch (Appendix 5). It should be noted that white spruce often
appeared in the shrub strata in balsam poplar and white birch forests,
but there was also an increase in alder and willow densities with stand
128
age. An inverse relationship is found between low shrub, herb and grass
and lic:hen cove-r and between p~rcent licJJ.en ~o~el' an~ white. birch heiglJ.~, .
balsam poplar height and white birch maximum age (Appendix 5). Negative
relationships are indicated between white spruce average age and dwarf
b~:r-_c~ ~ro~h --~~!~~e?! ,_ _t}l~ _ iil.~~:['e_~c;:~-~~~~ -~<3.~ -~j. ~~ _s!)_l"LlC:~ _ ~?~ _____ .. ____ . _____ _
rate decreases with age.
Changes in riparian communities in and north of the Brooks Range are
indicated by an increase in willow (SaZix gZauaa) growth increment with
increase in felt-leaf willow density and age. Generally, willow (SaUx
spp., S. gZauaa) growth increment is inversely related to stand age as
indicated by maximum and average ages of white birch, balsam poplar and
white spruce.
Changes in composition through time is noted by negative correlations
between densities (number of stems/area) of white spruce and balsam poplar,
and between felt-leaf willow and willow (SaZix pZanifoZia puZa~a) (Appendix
5), which usually had higher densities during the earlier portions of
riparian seres. Inverse relationships between willow density and balsam
·poplar and white birch height and age as well as dwarf birch average
age may also be due to changes during succession.
129
5.7 Land Use and Disturbance Implications
Several soil categories and vegetation associations have been identified
within topographic and terrain units as indicators of unstable landscapes.
Only those wits ass~ss~d. as ®St~b_l~ or pqte_n't.i<!lly U!l_S't.eibl_e_ are di~cus~~d.
Absence or presence of permafrost within the control section (1 m depth)
of the soil is an important first criteria in making an assessment of
instability on the assumption that terrain with thicker active layers
is more stable than terrain with thin active layers (Table 6). Other
criteria include soil texture (amount of silt), degree of horizon displace-
ment, soil drainage, steepness of slope and presence of plant associations
which indicate past disturbances.
Outwash plain terrain offers the greatest potential for problems in valleys
of the Porcupine Plateau. Although the soils were usually coarse textured,
thin active layers, and areas with sedge -Arctic bearberry vegetation
had standing water through June. Some of the vegetation is associated
with a varied microrelief as indicated by the ·"drunken forest" aspect
of white spruce, and hence the turbic soil classification. Problems
of this terrain include frost heaving and thermokarst degradation with
a subsequent increase in surface water. The potential for instability
problems may decrease in late summer with increased dryness. Similar
problems should be expected on depressional backswamps where thin active
layers and poor drainage is indicated by sedge communities (Table
6). Colluvial slopes were also found to be unstable, especially if the
130
soil texture is silty and poorly drained or has an abundant upslope water
supply. The instability is usually indicated by solifluction -arid slope
failure evidence.
Thin active layers were also found on gentle to moderate colluvial slopes.
Most of these slopes show signs of instability via solifluction and were
found to be wet through most of the summer if they were north exposed.
North exposure and an increase in slope tends to increase the frequency
and severeness of solifluction until slope failures occur. Unstable
slopes with south exposures more often support white birch vegetation
with some white spruce, and had deeper active layers. Fires have increased
the frequency of slope failure especially on steep (30%) topography, or
where slopes have been undercut by rivers.
Problems associated with thin, wet active layers can also be predicted
for some active and fossil floodplain terraces in the Southern Foothills.
Most of the dwarf birch and willow vegetation of the valleys occurs on
thin gleysolic soils and precautions against thermokarst will be necessary
in land use planning. The dwarf birch vegetation on the higher slopes
is usually associated with soliflu~tion and thin active layers (Table
6). Any outside disturbance on these slopes during summer would probably
cause accelerated downslope movement and stabilization techniques would
probably be necessary to curtail slumping. The dwarf birch and heath
vegetation on south exposures are assessed as being well able to sustain fire
which may complicate stability problems.
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131
Some high terraces with continuous vegetation (PyPoZa PotundifoZia gPandifZoPa
dominance) and backswamps in the Brooks Range contained permafrost within
1 m of the surface. Problems associated here are similar to those discussed
earlier for similar terrain types and include surface degradation (thermokarst)
and subsequent ponding. · Alluvial fan terrain may occur on slopes, which
with thin active layers may increase the potential for instability.
The Dryas, sedge and moss association usually occurs on the most unstable
portion of the terrain that was sampled with thinnest active layers and
wettest conditions (Table 6). Steeper slopes (> 15%) with fine textured
soils are naturally unstable as indicated by solifluction lobes. These
slopes are associated with dwarf birch shrub vegetation on south exposures
and Dryas alpine meadows with Lapland cassiope or sedge on north exposures.
Slope failures of various magnitude are also common on the steeper slopes,
especially those with shale substrata which receive downslope drainage
from snow fields. Steep side canyons also exhibit unstable conditions
and during intensive rain storms carry a high boulder and silt load into
the main valleys. Both slope failure and recent alluvial depositions
contain open willow (Salix pZanifoZia puZahPa or s. aZaxensis aZaxensis)
vegetation and are found on Regosol or Lithic Regosol soils (Table 6).
The amount of plant cover usually varied directly with severity and time
since disturbance.
132
Thin active layers are more evident in the Arctic Foothills and rounded
silt-mantled slope terrain is judged to be generally unstable, especially
on the steeper (> 10%) north exposures where large solifluction lobes
were common. The instability of the soil is indicated by the turbic
description, but high percent ground cover of the vegetation suggests
that soil movement is relatively slow. Some slumping is present however,
where areas are undercut by streams and failures have occurred on steep
(20%) slopes nearer the mountains. Solifluction lobed topography is
also thought to be increased by the passage of caribou on steep slopes.
Wet slope bases are also given potential problem status because of thin
active layers, frost hummock micro-topography and wet organic soils.
· Fossil and active floodplains are assessed as the most stable portions
of the foothills with regards to permafrost problems. However permafrost
was found within some of the fossil floodplains, and both of those areas
can be unstable during intensive rain storms.
Only active floodplain terrain was found to have active layers > 1 m
within the Arctic Coastal Plain. Hence, the potential problems of degradation
and slumping due to the melting of permafrost are widespread. This results
in the establishment of ponds which increase in size with melt-au~ of
the perimeters. The length of time necessary for natural restoration
-to original conditions is not known.
133
The churning of soil, due to frost action, is also common in silt-mantled
----------------------------~--------------------------------------r--~-----------
areas as indicated by frost hummocks and polygonal topography and turbic
soil type (Table 5). Areas with relatively rapid turnover contained
more Dryas -dwarf willow communities. Slower soil movement is reflected
by more continuous and dense ground cover with more willow (SaZix PetiauZata3
S. pZanifoZia pulahra3 s. Zanata riaha:Pdsonii) on the raised areas and
sedges and moss in the depressions with Dryas fairly abundant on both
(Table 6). Disturbance problems may become more severe where there are
slopes. Changes in stream direction as reflected by slumping and exposure
of ice-rich permafrost are fairly common on the Arctic Coastal Plain
and stream and river banks (fossil floodplain interface) which are therefore
classed as unstable or potentially unstable especially where there has
been deep incision. Although most areas of the coastal plain are wet
and poorly drained during summer, certain deformed till areas on river
bluffs and hilltops exhibited xeric conditions with open Dryas integPijoZia -
Ca:Pex misandra -SaZix retiauZata associations. The extremes of water
availability (hydric and xeric conditions) on the Arctic Coastal Plain
may cause problems with vegetative reclamation programs after land use.
134
6.0 DISCUSSION
The completeness of the vegetation description is dependent on sampling
intensity since only quantitative data are used in establishing the vegeta-
tion associations. It is believed on the basis of air and ground reconnaissance
that most of the major types of vegetation and soils within the study
area are represented. However the range of vegetation and soils could
possibly be increased by sampling areas outside the study site locations
(Fig. 1). Additional associations could no doubt be identified within
the study area, but hopefully these would fit into the classification
framework of major types presented here.
The major vegetation types are easier to use than associations to make
comparisons with other studies since they represent a more general category.
Vegetation type, as it has been most often used, is equivalent to the
formation, or alliance classes of the more formal phytosociological classi-
fication systems (Shimwell, 1971). Nomenclature of these units by other
workers varies considerably, since generic epithets, common names and
topographic and physiographic characteristics have been used (Britton,
1957; Johnson et aZ., 1966). Part of the problem in Arctic areas apparently
results from the broad connotation of tundra, which has been used to
describe a vast portion of the vegetation (Beschel, 1969). Shacklett
(1963) recognized the difficulty of relating.vegetation to the more traditional
controlling environmental factors Which seem to have credence for temperate
areas. The flora of Arctic areas has been recognized as being relatively
~~~~--~----------------~----··
135
low in diversity (species numbers), but this does not mean that the vegeta-
.. ti-o:n mosaic is n:ot complex~ especially wli.en the range of-types-an.a tne -
combinations of species, including cryptogams are considered (Bliss,
1962; Beschel, 1969).
136
6.1 Vegetation
The 309 vascular, 68 moss and 56 lichen species do not appear to be an
excessive number considering the size of the area. Spetzman (1959) found
439 vascular species and subspecies during a six year field study in
the coastal plain, foothills and small section of the Brooks Range.
Johnson et al. (1966) found about 300 species of vascular plants in the
Ogotoruk Creek -Cape Thompson a~ea of Alaska, while Britton (1957) listed
250 species near Umiat. Rastorfer et aZ. (1973) compiled a list of 81
bryophyte taxa at Prudhoe Bay. A similar study in the northern Yukon
and adjacent portion of the Northwest Territories recorded more than
320 vascular and about 70 each of moss and lichen species (Hettinger
et al.~ 1973). Lambert (1968) identified 183 vascular, 136 mosses and
99 lichens in an intensive study at Canoe and Trout Lakes, Northwest
Territories. Welsh and Rigby (1971) listed about 280 vascular plants
during an extensive survey in the northern Yukon Territory. The number
of species per stand (averages of 40 to 43) appears typical for low Arctic
regions. Hanson (1953) found 32 vascular species in dwarf birch type
vegetation and 26 in dwarf birch -heath lichen types. Areas in the
northern Yukon were also comparable, with a maximum of 60 species, including
cryptogams, per stand (Hettinger et al.~ 1973).
The Salix ovalifolia ovalifolia/Dryas integrifolia integrifolia -Aratagrostis
latifolia latifolia and Dryas integrifolia integrifolia -Carex bigeZowii
associations from fossil floodplains of the Canning and Sagavanirktok rivers
of the Arctic Coastal Plain represent two botanically unique stands which
are within 1 km (0.6 mi.) of the pipeline route. The Salix ovalifolia
137
ovaZifoZia/Dryas integrifoZia integrifoZia -Carex bigeZowii association
-----
on rounded silt-mantled slope terrain near the Kongakut River is about
5 km from the routing. However, a collection of SaZix reptans which
previously has only been described in Eurasia (Argus, 1973), was made
in this vicinity which may increase the botanical significance of the
area.
Elsewhere, two botanically unique communities include a Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia/Tomenthypnum nitens association on a stable backswamp
depression about 2 km from the present routing in the Marshfork of the
Canning River, and a well developed white spruce forest (Piaea gZauaa/HyZo-
aomium spZendens association) in the lower portion of Mbnument Creek
within 3 km (1.8 mi.) of the present route alignment. It is possible
that the. status of the stands within the botanically unique category
may change as more intensive sampling is done near these sites.
Wet Sedge Meadows (Spetzman, 1959) have been variously described as Marsh
and Wet Tundra (Porsild, 1951), Wet Sedge community (Bliss, 1956), Carex
aquatiZis Marsh (Britton, 1957) and Eriophorum -Carex Wet Meadow (Johnson
et aZ.~ 1966). Sedges are the character species, both in physiognomy
and abundance in the associations within this type, but dwarf willow
occurs as a co-dominant in a number of communities in the Coastal Plain
and adjacent foothills. Although the vegetation type is easy to identify
and appears homogeneous, eight different associations were delineated.
The dominance of Carex aquataZis and c. bigeZowii in these communities
on the coastal plain and foothills of Alaska appears to be well established
138
(Britton, 1957), but other sedges are also important. The co-dominance
of cotton grass and other sedges has also been noted for the vegetation
type (Johnson et al., 1966), but these seem to appear more frequently
in the foothills and where tussock tundra vegetation type was more frequent.
Britton (1957) noted that cotton grass appears with other sedges and
grasses without prominent tussock formation along the coast. There appears
to be a tendency to overestimate the cover and dominance of cotton grass when
it has a tussock physiognomy (Corns, 1972; Hettinger et al., 1973).
The wet sedge (Carex bigelowii -C. saxitilus laxa -C. rariflora) association
in the Porcupine Plateau of Alaska is similar to vegetation on Fossil
Lake Bed terrain in the Old Crow Flats and depressional terraces in the
Richardson Mountains. Carex miaroahaeta was apparently more prominent
in the Yukon (Hettinger et al., 1973).
Associations with dwarf willow (Salix planifolia pulahra, S. ovalifolia
ovalifolia, S. retiaulata retiaulata) are similar to the Carex aquatilis
marsh type although cotton grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) and dwarf
birch (Betula nana exilis) were also dominant. Other studies with similar·
wet sedge phases include the Calcareous Bog Meadow of Drew and Shanks ·
(1965) in the Firth River area of the Yukon, and Carex miaroaheata -
Salix pulahra vegetation in the Arctic Foothills area of the northern
Yukon (Hettinger et al., 1973).
Tussock tundra has been widely used to describe vegetation formed by
the physiognomic dominance of cotton grass. Other descriptive terms
applied to the vegetation type include niggerhead tundra (Porsild, 1951),
139
Heath Tussock (Bliss, 1956) and Eriophorum Tussock (Johnson et aZ.~ 1966).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~---=----=--~-------~ --=---~-=-=~---~--=-= -~-
The three associations identified for the Arctic Foothills also contained
low willows (Salix planifolia pulahra~ S. retiaulata retiaulata) as dominant
species with cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum vaginatum), and in this
respect were similar to the vegetation of the Arctic Foothills in the
northern Yukon (Hettinger et aZ.~ 1973). The results are also comparable
to those discussed by Britton (1957) for the Brooks Range and Arctic
Foothills as a number of sedges, including Carex bigelowii~ were found
to be prominent. The cotton grass was sometimes listed as Eriophorum
vaginatum spissum however, but in the present study was not always identified
to subspecies. A comparable Upland Tussock Tundra type was described
by Drew and Shanks (1965), but dwarf birch, Labrador tea and netted willow
were dominant and hence the type is probably more similar to that described
by Britton (1957) as a Dwarf Shrub Heath type. The variation in associated
species in tussock types has probably caused the diversity of nomenclature
for the vegetation (Johnson et aZ.~ 1966). The heath sedge-tussock tundra
associations of the coastal plain are similar to the Tussock Tundra type
but cotton grass is much less abundant while heaths (lingonberry, Lapland
cassiope and alpine blueberry) are more prominent than found in ,the previous
study. Similarities exist between this type and Corns' (1972) Sedge-
Heath sub-group and the Cassiope tetragona group of Lambert (1968).
The dwarf shrub heath type was found to incorporate Cotton grass Tussock
types of Britton (1957), but they probably would fit into this major
type since heaths and dwarf birch were also found to be characteristic
species.
140
Sedge (Carex bigeZowii) meadows with scattered willow (SaZix pZanifoZia
puZahPa) vegetation are deemed a separate type due to the taller nature
of willow and hence different physiognomy. A type similar in physiognomy
was identified in wet flat areas of the Peel Plateau, but heaths (crowberry
and lingonberry) replaced willow as the shrub and Sphagnum girgensohnii
instead of HyZoaomium spZendens formed a dense ground cover (Hettinger
et aZ.~ 1973).
Alpine sedge meadows of Carex membranaaea~ C. sairpoides~ C. misandra
and Dryas integrifoZia integrifoZia are differentiated from wet sedge
meadows on the basis of species composition as well as elevationa1 distribution.
The type appears similar to Hanson's (1953) Alpine-Sedge -Alpine Dryas
type but contrasts are apparent with different dominant species (Carex
Zugens and Dryas oatopetaZa). Alpine Sedge communities of Carex miaroahaeta
with Eriophorum vaginatum vaginatum and Sphagnum girgensohnii OHettinger
et aZ.~ 1973), and Carex montanensis and SaZix puZahra (Lambert, 1968)
have also been described for the Richardson mountains, which have some
affinities with the Alpirie Tundra (Kobresia ~pp., Carex kravsei) types·
described by Drew and Shanks (1965) in the British mountains.
The increase in shrub (SaUx spp.) abundance is the major criterion in
distinguishing the dwarf or low shrub sedge meadow type which describe
vegetation from both the Arctic Foothills and the Arctic Coastal Plain.
A similar vegetation was described for the Richardson and British Mbuntains
and coastal plain areas of the Yukon, but BetuZa gZanduZosa and Sphagnum
girgensohnii were used to characterize one of the associations (Hettinger
141
et aZ.~ 1973). The Peaty High Centre Polygon vegetation class described
.. by-Drew .. and.Shan.ks-(1965>}-also-appear$~-to-bec similaF -and .. is-·GOmf>arable· · · -... -.. ~ ... ·
to the Salicetosum reticuZatae association designated by Lambert (1968).
Related vegetation in the higher portions of the Southern Foothills was
placed within the alpine open dwarf shrub sedge meadow type. A similar
community was described by Lambert (1968) as a Salicetosum phZebophyZZae
association with Hierochloe alpina and Dryas octopetaZa as common dominant
species.
Several vegetation types are distinguished by mountain avens dominance,
but since Dryas integrifolia is quite ubiquitus the vegetation types
are separated on the basis of co-dominance components and physiognomic
conditions. Similar vegetation to Alpine Dryas -Sedge Meadows was discussed
by Britton (1957) for the Brooks Range and by Drew and Shanks (1965)
in the British mountains. Vegetation with less sedge but with a grassland
type physiognomy is placed in alpine-subalpine Dryas meadows and barrens
categories, depending on the amount of ground cover. A m.unber of associations
described for the British Mountains with Dryas octopetala appear similar
·(Hettinger et aZ.~ 1973), as does Drew and Shanks' (1965) Dryas-Lichen
Gravel Terrace type Which was characterized by a dominance of Dryas integrifolia
and Carex scirpoidea.
The combination of mountain avens and shrubs as dominant species is the
distinguishing feature of several vegetation types. The dwarf shrub -
Dryas meadow vegetation appears related to a number of associations which
142
were described mostly in the British MOuntains, Arctic Foothills and
-------. --Ar-Gti£-CGastal-I>lain-prov-inces.--fi:Iettinger.-et-aZ..-.,-~9.7.3)-·---DTJ.yas--integ:nijol.ia----------.
integrifolia and low willows are common to both studies but Salix ovalifolia
ovalifolia and s. glauaa glauaa were found to be dominant in Alaska and
s. phlebophylla was more abundant at the Yukon sites with S. integrifolia
integrifolia common to both. Similar types of vegetation are discussed
by Britton (1957) for the Arctic Foothills Province of Alaska but heaths
appear to have been more prominent. The Lupino-Dryadetum alaskanensis
association described by Lambert (1968) for the norther Richardson Mountains
also appears to have similar characteristics. The alpine heath Dryas
meadow type of the Brooks Range has affinities with vegetation described
for the Arctic Foothills by Britton (1957) and Hettinger et aZ. (1973).
The occurrence and dominance of heath shrubs distinguishes a large unit
of vegetation which names the major types according to various combinations.
Low heath shrub vegetation with Betula nana exilis of the Porcupine Plateau
and Southern Foothills is similar to types found in the Peel Plateau,
Porcupine Plateau and Old Crow Flats in the Yukon (Hettinger et al.,
1973). Rubus ahamaemorus and Betula glandulosa were apparently more
abundant in the Yukon communities, however. Similar vegetation, but
with taller willows (Salix glauaa aautifolia) characterizes the low heath-
willow shrub type which appears most similar to medium Shrub and Dwarf
Shrub-Heath types described by Corns (1972), although Alnus arispa was
not important in the Alaskan vegetation type. Lambert (1968) makes reference
to a Vaaainio-Betuletum glandulosae association which appears to have
143
compositional affinities. This association was given a probable climax
status-for--tlie vegetation on slopes -i!f the nortliern-Ricnardson~mountams~.--~ -------
J
The dwarf heath lichen tundra type is most similar to some of the vegetation
in Churchill's (1955) Frost-Scar Collective Type, but more open vegetation
occurs in the open dwarf shrub-heath barrens of the Arctic Foothills
which appears to have affinities with coastal plain vegetation in the
Yukon (Hettinger et aZ.3 1973). However, heaths are apparently not as
dominant in this type further east. The dwarf heath type with white
spruce appears to be a common community in areas across the Yukon and
Alaska and extends northward into the lower portion of the mountains.
Identifications of similar types were made in the Richardson Mountains
which correlate with White Spruce Woodland Terrace and Solifluction Fan
with Scattered Spruce types of Drew and Shanks (1965), although sedges
appear to have been more dominant in the latter study. Vegetation with
a similar physiognomy and a heath understory was described for wet areas
of the Peel Plateau with black spruce (Piaea maPiana) instead of white
spruce (Hettinger et aZ.3 1973). A similar type is illustrated for an
upland treeline area in the Yukon -Tanana area of Alaska (Johnson and
Vogel, 1966).
Taller willow (SaZix gZauaa aautifoZia) with heaths in the lower areas
of the Porcupine Plateau is most similar to a type described by Lambert
(1968) with SaZix puZahra 3 BetuZa gZanduZosa and Vaaainium uZiginosum
in the northern Richardsons. Lower willow (SaZix gZauaa aautifoZia)
of the Porcupine Plateau and Southern Foothills shows similarities towards
144
Salix glauaa aalliaaPpaea and Moss Frost Scar communities of the Yukon
Arctic Coastal Plain (Hettinger et al., 1973) and Salix ahamissonis communi-
ties in the Richardson mountains (Lambert, 1968) which were associated
with late-melting snow banks.
The low and dwarf willow shrub vegetation type of the Brooks Range is
quite varied with associations characterized by Salix Petiaulata Petiaulata,
S. glauaa aautifolia and S. planifolia puZahPa. Similar types were described
in the Old Crow Range, Richardson Mountains and Arctic Foothills of the
Yukon, but Salix phlebophylla was also found to be a dominant of some
communities (Hettinger et al., 1973). Alpine dwarf shrub-lichen fellfields
with Salix Petiaulata are most similar to a SaZix phlebophyZla·community
that was found on hill tops in the Coastal Plain of the Yukon. The low
birch shrub vegetation which is well distributed through the lower valleys
of the Brooks Range is comparable to Chruchill's (1955) Heath Sub-type
of the Arctic Foothills although heaths appear to be less common in the
Brooks Range.
Riparian willow shrub.embodies a large group of vegetation types. Either
Salix alaxensis alaxensis or Salix planifoZia pulahPa is the dominant
species even though sites ranged from the southern Brooks Range to the
coastal plain. Similar communities have been reported in the Northern
Yukon where Salix glauaa aautifolia and SaZix pZanifoZia pulahPa were
dominant in the mountainous areas, whereas co-dominance of both alder
and willow was more frequent in riparian sites from the eastern coastal
plain (Hettinger et al., 1973). Various SaZix and Alnus types are discussed
145
by Britton (1957) and affinities appear possible with his Salix glauaa and
__________ -~·-P7.i~Q}g>Cf __ clOJ11_:i,~GI.1:_~c!_y_eg~1:.'!!io~_._ __ -?illl_iliJ.r_t_lJ:)_~s_ ~~'!'_~_j4~n_!ifiec1_:i.11_1:b.~-____________ _
Mackenzie Delta Region, but Salix lanata Piahardsonii was a frequent
dominant and alder also appears fairly common (Corns, 1972). Bliss and
Cantlon (1957) describe alluvial communities near the Colville River
of Alaska which appear very similar to the Salix alaxensis alaxensis
associations in the Brooks Range. Some variation in understory species
probably relates to the stage of the succession, although different types
of habitats may be included. Riparian sites beyond or above tall shrub
distribution were described by Spetzman (1959) as "grassy stream margin"
vegetation and occur frequently in the coastal plain where an abundance
horsetail and herbs (SaxifPaga ssp., Aaonitum delphinifolium~ Dodeaatheon
fPigidum) reflect a similarity to the low shrub -sedge meadow type from
the present study.
The riparian shrub and open forest type with balsam poplar shows some
affinities to vegetation at upper elevations of the Porcupine Plateau
in the Northern Yukon. Both communities contained a co-dominance of
tall shrubs (Salix spp.) and balsam poplar. Alder was not associated
with the Alaskan types except in the Porcupine Plateau. Other common
important species include CalamagPostis aanadensis and Epilobium latifolium.
The Arctic bearberry-herb with balsam poplar type is less similar since
few tall shrubs were found to be abundant. The open character of the
stand and dominance of APatostaphylos PUbPa and PyPola Potundifolia may
indicate an older phase of riparian succession.
146
The last two vegetation types reflect the northern limit of balsam poplar
----------uctne sparseru:~s!5-of--t"he --c-onnnuntty-w:ttlrirr tne~-Northem~r:oothi-l~ls~-The-----------------------
formation of this community only in certain confined habitats may make
it botanically unique. Balsam poplar (cottonwood) communities are listed
for the Yukon Flats of Alaska, but appear to be very minor communities
and were usually fotmd mixed with white spruce on alluvium (Johnson and
Vogel, 1966). This vegetation is probably similar to the more closed
balsam poplar forest type from the Porcupine Plateau in Alaska and Balsam
Poplar -Alder vegetation class of riparian areas of the Peel and Porcupine
Plateaus in the Northwest Territories and Yukon (Hettinger et aZ.3 1973).
The white birch forest type shows a close relationship to a White Birch -
Alder association that was described for the Peel Plateau with lingonberry
and smaller white spruce as other common species. Some similarities
also exist with vegetation form the Porcupine Plateau but SaZix gZauaa
aautifoZia was a co-dominant species and HyZoaomium spZendens and Rosa
aaiauZaris were more abtmdant (Hettinger et aZ.3 1973). Similar white
birch stands were described in the Yukon Flats on upland areas, but only
some of the stands contained alder, as willow appeared to be more constant.·
Again white spruce was usually represented in t4e lower d.b.h. size classes,
and the vegetation type was often associated with slope failure (Johnson
and Vogel, 1966). Aspen (PopuZus tremuZoides) was also fotmd within
some of the white birch forests in the Yukon Flats, but occur only as
occasional trees in restricted habitats further north~
147
The white spruce forest type encompasses a common association (Piaea
_g}CJ,Z!:C!__aflj_y_loa_Q_miUJ71_ ~pJ.~nd~71?J_tha!__ha~-l!ffinities __ with __ typ_es __ found _in ___ -
the Porcupine and Peel plateaus (Hettinger et al., 1973) and the Yukon
Flats in Alaska (Johnson and Vogel, 1966). The latter study listed wiilow
as a dominant for some of the stands, but an illustration with white spruce
on alluvium has a similar physiognomy. Variation in associated species
was noted for alluvial sites with latitudinal increase with Arctic bearberry
and sedge (Carex bigelowii) being more dominant in the southern Brooks
Range than in the Porcupine Plateau. The Populus/Salix Shepherdia associa-
tion within the White spruce -Fir type of LaRoi (1967) also exhibits
similarities to this vegetation type since willow (Salix glauaa aautifolia)
and balsam poplar were important species in the more southern portions
of the study area. The Spruce Forest Terrace category of Drew and Shanks
(1965) with white spruce, felt-leaf willow, balsam poplar and feathermoss
vegetation has some affinities to the type, but may be more similar to
more open phases of white spruce near ridge tops or on moraine since
there was a high number of associated heaths. Variation composition in
the vegetation type increases with distance between the areas, but differences
also occur between upland slope and alluvium site locations with Pyrola
rotundifolia, Linnaea borealis and grasses (Calamagrostis spp.), and
Salix spp. being more common at the two different landscape positions.
Similar associations with black spruce and Hyloaomium splendens were
found as far east as the western portion of the Porcupine Plateau near
the Old Crow Range in the Yukon, but these were not found in Alaska.
White spruce appeared to assume the ecological role of black spruce in
the southern portion of the study area where it was found in wet muskeg
areas.
--~--~----~~~~------~--~~~-
148
The forest and open forest vegetation types fit into the forest and barren
section of the Boreal Fores1> Regien" as presented-for Ganada-by -Rowe--(1959).--
This includes a fairly abundant distribution of Picea glauaa and Betula
papyrifera and only local abundance of Populus balsamifera and P. t:r>errruloides.
Forest vegetation extends into the lower and southern valleys of the
Brooks Range, but becomes very disjunct further north as tundra vegetation
becomes more widespread. This transition between vegetation types is
characterized by the dominance of medium tall and low shrub vegetation
(Beschel, 1969).
6.2 Soils
Soil development is weak or generally retarded in the surveyed area.
Best development occurs on rapidly drained alpine and forested ridges
in the southern part of the study area where Eutric Brunisols occur on
calcareous bedrock ridges. Similar developmental conditions occur on
similar terrain units in the northern Yukon (Hettinger et aZ.~ 1973).
The characteristic brown colored Bm of these Alpine Brunisols may develop
under acidic or calcareous conditions, but was usually found on calcareous
materials. In northern Alaska the Arctic Brown is the dominant well
.drained soil (Tedrow and Hills, 1955). In this study, few well drained
sites were sampled in the foothills and coastal plain so that the Arctic
Brown soils (Brunisols) were not encountered and comparisons cannot be
made with results of Tedrow and Hill (1955) or Brown (1969a). Brown
(1969a) found several podzol-like profiles in the Okpilak and Anaktuvik
valleys which may be similar to Canadian Degraded or Dystric Brunisols.
Other comparable soils may be the Alpine Rendzina (Drew and Shanks, 1965),
Rendzina (Lambert, 1968; Ugolini and Tedrow, 1963) and Cryumbrepts (Soil
Survey Staff, 1960) all of which have developed on calcareous materials.
Cryosols are the most extensive soils, occurring on all types except some
well and rapidly drained areas. They are widespread on the Arctic Coastal
Plain and Arctic Foothills and are common in the Southern Foothills region
as well. The Gleyosolic Turbic Cryosol subgroups predominate in all
these regions, indicating that the dominant soil forming process is that
of frost action and gleization in an imperfect to poorly drained substrate.
149
---· .... ··-···-·-··-···----· ·-· ·---·· ··--·--·--·· ····-···-·---···-----...
150
The Gleysolic Turbic Cryosols are similar to the Meadow and Upland Tundra
soils of Tedrow and Cantlon (1958) in northern Alaska. These soils are
commonly found in combination with non-sorted stripes (solifluction slopes)
with low shrub tundra vegetation and non-sorted circles (earth hummocks)
with low shrub sedge meadows. Drew and Shanks (1965) have described
similar soils from the Upper Firth River Valley and classified them as
Low Humic Gley, Upland and Meadow Tundra. These soils may also be similar
to the Tundra Moss and Tundra Ranker soils of Lambert (1968) in the Yukon
and to the Orthic or Cryaqueptic Cryaquent of the Soil Survey Staff (1960)
or Pergelic Cryaquepts (Soil Survey Staff, 1967) in the 7th Approximation
System. Pergelic Cryaquepts have also been described by Allan et aZ.
(1968) in Alaska.
Organo Cryosols are common in the Arctic Coastal Plain region under poorly
drained conditions and wet sedge meadow vegetation. These soils are
saturated throughout the growing season so that decomposition of dying
vegetation is retarded to the point when accumulation rates exceed decomposition
rates. These soils compare to the Bog and Half Bog of Tedrow and Cantlon
(1958), Bog meadow and Strangmoor of Drew and Shanks (1965), Sub-Aquatic
peat forming and Semi-terrestrial Peat Soils of Lambert (1968) and Histobols
of the Soil Survey Staff (1960). Those soils with mineral horizons under
more then 40 em of organic may be compared to the Histic Dergelic Cryaquetps
descibed by Allan et aZ. (1968).
151
The Static Cryosol Great Group is most common on imperfectly to poorly
drained fossil floodplains, where the organic horizon is not thick enough
to meet the 40 em requirement of Organo Cryosols . The Gleysolic Subgroup
is the most common one associated with fossil floodplains. Again, the
·· ·· --comparable -soi-ls-elsewhere are the Meadow and Upland Tundra-(Tedrow and - -· - - - -··· - -- -
Cantlon, 1958 and Drew and Shanks, 1965), Tundra MOss and Tundra Ranker
(Lambert, 1968) and Histic Pergelic Cryaquepts (Allan et aZ.~ 1968).
Regosols are most common in the Brooks Range and on active floodplains
where rapid drainage in coarse materials retards development. Some of
· these soils may integrade into weak Brunisols (Arctic Brown) .
152
6.3 Successional Trends
Development of stable self-perpetuating or climax communities from either
open water or bare land has been traditionally accepted as a conventional
process for more -temperate ecosystems. Events leading to climax connnunities,
as well as the identification of climax in the tradional sense, have
been questioned for the northern boreal forest and especially for regions
of arctic tundra (Churchill and Hanson, 1958). Drury (1956) was of the
opinion that traditional concepts could be applied to at least the forested
portion of the forest-t~dra transition zone although same seres were
indicated as multi-directional.
Disturbances, including slumping, fire, alluvial aggradation and degradation
along with environmental differences, contribute to the vegetation heterogen-
eity of the Boreal forest (Rowe and Scotter, 1973). Fire has apparently
been a widespread and frequent feature in the northern forested areas
of both Canada and Alaska (Lutz, 1956; Barney, 1971; Rowe and Scotter,
1973). Successional trends after fire have been discussed in terms of
black or white spruce seres which have been further differentiated on
the basis of site characteristics. Black spruce seres usually occur
in wetter sites of the lower valleys, and fire history plus moisture
gradients usually have increased the vegetation mosaic (Quirk and Sykes,
1971).
153
White spruce appears to assume the role of black spruce in the poorly
drained~ areas of-the Porcupine Plateau-and~wa.s--the--only cbnifer-free -----
species found in the study area.
Seres involving white birch and white spruce on upland slopes in the
Porcupine Plateau appear similar to those found in a number of areas
in the Northwest Territories (Reid, 1974; Zoltai and Pettapiece, 1973).
White birch may establish more quickly after fire further south but establish-
ment varies with site conditions (Hettinger et aZ., 1973). Aspen and
white birch appear to have similar successional roles in the interior
portion of Alaska as both tend to decrease in abundance at about 100
years (Lutz, 1956). Canada bluestem, prickly rose, twinflower and a
number of wintergreen species appear as common ground cover components
throughout much of the· sere. The establishment of white spruce with
a dense feathermoss understory has been given climax status. Willow
and alder are also reported as associates in the sere, but are probably
more common in more mesic (northerly exposured) sites. The decrease
in tree canopy may continue on south exposures or on ridges with an increase
in Arctic bearberry and lichen species, but these sites may be of a differ-
ent sere with reduced white birch importance.
Stability of the climax. stands seems to increase with age, and fires
may be necessary to initiate slQpe failures. Undercutting of slope bases
by rivers was also observed be an important factor in instigating slumps
in certain areas. The development of nearly pure conifer forests at
about 150 years after establishment appears to be a common feature of
------~---------· -·---------··----~-----·---~~---
154
this sere (Hettinger et aZ., 1973; Zoltai and Pettapiece, 1973). Unpublished
----~-----ftre-stattst-tcs--for-Northmrstem-Aiaska---:i:nd±cate--tha:t~-only--an--average--
of 2315 acres/year have burned near or within the study area since 1957
(U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Anchorage) . All of the fires were started
by lightning except for small fires near Arctic Village and the Arctic
Foothills. Most of the fires have been in the forested portions of the
study area (Sheenjek and Coleen rivers) but two 5 acre fires were reported
north of the Brooks Range. The largest fire burned 25,000 acres in the
upper drainages of the Yukon Flats in 1958.
Succession after alluvial degradation or aggradation was similar along
rivers of the Porcupine Plateau and the southern Brooks Range, having
a stage dominated by balsam poplar with associated willows. Alder was
common with balsam poplar in the more southern section of the study area.
White spruce forest with a dense moss ground cover, usually of feathermoss,
was identified as the climax community. Similar communities of the sere
have been identified in a number of areas of the Boreal forest of Alaska
(Lutz, 1956; Johnson and Vogel, 1966). However, the later study did
not include balsam poplar as a component of the vegetation but there
were some similarities in grolllld cover species (Rosa and Equisetum) and
in the importance of willows. Viereck (1970) presented a sere on alluvium
near Fairbanks where white spruce is eventually replaced by black spruce
with a sphagnum dominated understory which was given climax status.
The most mature white spruce forests were found along the rivers where
they are apparently protected by fires. Similar communities in the Northwest
Territories have been reported to have white spruce over 250 years old
(Reid, 1974; Rowe and Scotter, 1973).
155
A question has arisen as to whether spruce conmnm.ities actually represent
'--------~--an end-point-in succession~--(Hettinger et_a_Z.;-1973; Strang; :r9f3f: -----------------.
Zach (1950) designated muskeg as the physiognomic climax in southeastern
Alaska. Indications are that conditions become less favorable for white
spruce as the active layer becomes shallower, cooler and less well drained.
These conditions are especially evident on fossil meander plans and backswamps
in the Porcupine Plateau where sedges and heaths are more dominant, and white
spruce reproduction and the ratio of living to dead was reduced. Strang
(1973) related this trend to the absence of fire with a moss/lichen association
as the climax type. Development of a sere and identification of the
climax community is relative to the time scale used and this can be a
problem in interpreting succession in northern areas. The change in
dominance from spruce to species of lower strata takes at least 300 years
after initial white spruce establishment at the site.
Succession after alluvial deposition in the northern Brooks Range to
the Coastal Plain involves a number of tall willows (Salix aZaxensis
aZaxensis~ S. pZanifoZia puZahPa~ S. Zanata ~iahardsonii and S. gZauaa
acutifoUa). Comparisons of these an~as Lo a more detailed analysis
near Umiat indicate a number of similarities between the proposed seres
(Bliss and Cantlon, 1957). Felt-leaf willow is an important species
following heraceous colonization which includes horsetail, river beauty,
legume and graminoid species.
156
Felt-leaf willow appears to be more frequent in Alaska than in the Yukon
-~--------wner:-e--sa.-nx-{J1auaa-aau'tiJo-l'ia:-a.na.-s~-putanrcr-were--usucr:tly-associate-d---------·-----·----
with riparian succession (Hettinger et at., 1973). The trend toward
sedge dominance and a decrease in tall willows is comparable to the transition
from decadent felt-leaf willow communities toward sedge and shrub-heath
as discussed by Bliss and Cantlon (1957). Again the changes with sere
maturity include decreased active layer depth, drainage and vegetation
height as wet sedge meadows and cotton grass tussock communities assume
the role of the stable community. The best evidence for ascribing climax
status to these graminoid communities occurred in the Brooks Range on
fossil meander plains and backswamps adjacent to present floodplains.
The length of time from initial colonization to heath or gr.aminoid communities
is not known since willows could not be dated past 90 years. Shrub age
estimates may not give an accurate indication of the time necessary for
seral development since the maturity and death of stems is a short-term
process in relation to the total population age. The abundance of legumes
(Oxytropis spp., Astragatus spp.) in the earlier portion of the sere
appears to increase with latitude and Artemesia titesii and A. ataskana
were not found to be important as identified in the other similar plant
communities (Bliss and Cantlon, 1957; Hettinger et at., 1973).
Succession in alpine regions of Alaska has not been well defined. Lambert
(1972) has described Betuta gtandutosa -Vaaainium vutiginosum and Betuta
gtandutosa -Eriophorum vaginatum vegetation as the climax communities
in the northern Richardson MOuntains. Pioneer species inlcuded ~iophorum
157
saheuahzeri~ CaZamagrostis aanadensis and Aratagrostis ZatifoZia. Mountain
---------------a-ven-s--,--ne-t-cecl.---wi-H-ew--ancl.~hel-y--g-Fass--I'ep:Pes-en-t~I'elat--i-vcly-y-el!Ilg-a-l"ea-s------~-- ----------
in alpine areas of the Porcupine Plateau to the Southern Brooks Range
which is similar to seres discussed for the British and Richardson mountains
in the Yukon (Hettinger et aZ.~ 1973). Sedges, netted willow and lichens
(ParmeZia panniformis~ AZeatoria nitiduZa) appear on rocky and gravelly
areas of the northern Brooks Range. Graminoid species (Poa~ ~omus~
HieroahZoe and Festuaa) also act as pioneer species in some alpine areas,
but are usually associated with the more nutrient rich ground squirrel
burrows. Minuartia rossii and Carex maaroahaeta -C. misandra communities
are comparable to young Poa gZauaa~ Minuartia bifZora scree vegetation
in the Richardson Mountains (Hettinger et aZ.~ 1973).
The difficulty of interpreting succession in low shrub and other tundra
types of vegetation has been discussed by Churchill and Hanson (1958).
Part of the problem is ascribed to the instability of frost churned soils
in the Arctic and hence the short time available for sere development
(Sigafoos, 1952). Tussock tundra communities were given climax status
at least in the foothills (Spetzman, 1959), and may develop through hydric
seres with various wet sedge communities on fossil lake beds occurring
as stages of the succession. Development of tussock tundra from bedrock
ridges was also thought possible although Dryas -lichen meadows were
thought to be climax vegetation of well drained ridges and slopes (Spetzman,
1959). Mountain avens, polar grass, bluegrass (Poa aratiaa) and cloudberry
were given pioneer status for disturbed areas on the coastal plain and
foothills here. However, cotton grass and sedges have the ability to
withstand some disturbance and their re-establishment may be stimulated
---~--------------------··------~~~---~-~ -------
158
by fire (Bliss and Wein, 1972). Other connnunities including low shrub
and heath types contain species which also may survive disturbance and
regenerate from rootstocks (Drury, 1956). It is believed that low and
dwarf birch, heath and willow shrub vegeation of the study area are able
to reestablish quickly after fire. Bliss and Wein (1972) found that
dwarf heath recovery was rapid after tundra fires. Severe disturbance
on wet areas of the coastal plain contained oniy Rubus chamaemorus as
a dominant pioneer species (Hernandez, 1972; Kerfoot, 1972), but sedge
(Ca~ex bigeZowii~ C. aquatiZis) may also be important in similar circumstances
in northeastern Alaska.
Better drained sites with mineral soil exposure after disturbance may
be initially revegetated by grasses (CaZamagrostis canadensis~ Arctag~ostis
ZatifoZia and Poa Zanata), Senecio congestus and EpiZobium angustifoZium
(Bliss and Wein, 1972; Hernandez, 1972). Other species exhibiting similar
potential from the present study include ~omus pumpeZZianus~ CaZamagrostis
purp~ascens~ Poa a~ctica~ Senecio at~opurpureus ssp. frigidus and EpiZobium
Zatifo Zium. ·
159
6.4 Application of Biotic and Abiotic Relationships
Analyzing a number of environmental factors by a simple correlation is
a first step in understanding some of the relationships involved in biological
systems. However, cause and effect relationships are not necessarily
indicated by simple correlation since plant distribution and growth is
a function of all environmental factors.
A number of relationships between factors was associated with changes
during succession. The increase in species diversity was associated
with plant community development on alluvium except under mature white
spruce. Increase in micro-relief is also associated with community maturity
which offers a more diverse habitat for species establishment. Species
diversity is also higher at mid-slope positions which usually represents
a median between the environmental extremes of the dry rocky ridge-tops
and wet slope bases. Lichens decrease in importance with more vascular
cover and are assessed as important colonizers in gravelly, rocky areas
especially common in the mountains. Mbss species, on the other hand,
are more common in wet areas and high cover is frequently common in wet
sedge, tussock tundra and sedge-low shrub vegetation types. Both moss
and lichen diversity is lower when vascular species diversity is high
and hence appears to be partially limited by competition.
Sites, including those with young balsam poplar and white birch, which
are favorable to greater growth rates and species diversity probably
have more available nutrients (Hettinger et aZ., 1973). The possibility
160
of nutrients becoming less available with successional maturity has been
discussed by Bliss and Cantlon (1957) and Heilman (!~?_2~~?-~~~-~ejuven~~ioE-_________ ~--
of the available nutrient pool appears to occur after fires and is related
to increase in available nutrients partly through an increase in the
active layer depth (Bliss and Wein, 1972). Indications from this and
past studies are that disturbance and perturbation are continual processes
in the Low Arctic and northern boreal ecosystems and fluctuations of
population numbers are inherently associated with these changes. Unless
disturbances are severe, a trend toward original conditions is rapidly
established. Severe disturbance on permafrost is of concern however
since subsidence of the surface and additional slumping may take a relatively
long time to stablize. This feature and the s:implistic structure of
the ecosystems are mostly responsible for the widespread concept of fragility
in the Arctic (Bliss et aZ.~ 1973). However Dunbar (1973) discusses
the concept that instability is a naturally occurring phenomenon of most
Arctic systems which are therefore adapted to perturbation. The amount
of disturbance that northern ecosystems can tolerate before irreversibie
change is initiated is the questionable entity and caution is the best
policy in land use. Heginbottom (1973) indicates that slope failure
is a common result of a number of disturbances including fire and ground
vegetation removal. A number of guidelines have been developed and are
discussed by Wein and Bliss (1973a,c) with regard to potential problem
areas. The presence of silty soil over high ice-content permafrost is
probably the extreme of instability which is compounded where slopes
are involved. Most problem areas are indicated by a high frequency of
natural instability which could be increased by usage of the area by
man.
----------~--·----·---·--------~---------------~----------
161
7. 0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Fourteen clusters with 41 component associations are categorized for
the study area from the cluster analysis. Ubiquitous species are a dominant
character for several groups, but combinations of dominant species are
used for the association nomenclature.
Stands from widely separated areas are often placed in the same association
as a result of similar composition. However, the association is used
as an indication of some environmental equivalency and therefore it is
possible to have, for instance, stands from a xeric site in the Arctic
Coastal Plain and a more mesic site in the Porcupine Plateau within the
same association.
Thirty basic vegetation categories are utilized to classify the associations
in relation to terrain types. Wet sedge meadow, dwarf or low shrub sedge
and white spruce forest types occur most frequently in the physiographic
regions. However, sedge, herb-sedge, lichen me~dows and heath shrub
vegetation'cover the greatest amount of area.
Successional trends toward white spruce climax are identified in the
Porcupine Plateau, Southern Foothills and Brooks Range. The riparian
sere established after alluvial disturbance with balsam poplar, willow
and sometimes alder vegetation typifying much of the vegetation. Secondary
succession after fire or slope failures is characterized by white spruce
·~----~···----~------------~---------
162
or mixed stands of white birch and white spruce. The white spruce/feather-
moss community which are here recognized as a climaX t)'pe require at least
125 years to develop on alluvium and about 110 years on upland sites.
Heath and sedge vegetation types may eventually replace white spruce
vegetation if the active layer becomes thin and cold enough, but the
replacement takes at least 300 years and hence climax status depends
on the time scale used in making comparisons with seres in other areas.
Alpine vegetation develops mostly on frost shattered rock and colluvial
surfaces. Lichens, sedges, mountain avens and dwarf willow are important
in the early portion of upland seres. An increase in heaths including
Lapland cassiope, and moss is associated with the more mature portion
of the sere. Mature vegetation in the Arctic Foothills and Arctic Coastal
Plain is represented by heath, sedge, and cotton grass communities which
occupy a median between xeric and hydric habitat extremes. Species of
the early portion of the sere are varied since hydric to xeric conditions
are involved. Felt-leaved willow is important as a colonizer in most
riparian seres, but is usuplly succeeded by other willow species which
in turn are replaced by species with a lower stature.
A trend from medium tall and tall shrub types toward low shrub and graminoid
communities is frequently indicated for most riparian and upland sites
within the study area throughout most of the coastal plain. A decrease
in the active layer depth, and associated decrease in aeration, soil
temperatures and possibly nutrient turnover rate is related to sere maturity.
Most of the tree species have higher growth rates in the earlier portions
of the sere when active layer depths are relatively deep and soils are
still well-drained-.-Connnunities With greater riiicrotopograpliic relief
163
are associated with mature communities, with the exception of white spruce
types. Increase in micro-relief is also related to an increase in species
diversity. Both lichen and-moss species diversity appears to be l:llnited
by the presence of vascular species. MOst of the soils were found to
be immature. The Eutric Brunisol soils of well drained slopes and ridges
are the best developed and support relatively diverse communities. Cryosols
and Regosols which represent two extremes in soil environment, are connnon,
with Cryosols predominating in all of the areas except the Brooks Range.
The predominance of the Gleysolic Turbic Cryosol Subgroup gives an indication
of the high frequency of instability due to frost action and associated
drainage. No consistent relationships between soil sub-groups and vegetation
types are indicated. Regosols are usually associated with early vegetation
successional phases, especially on alluvium and bedrock. Mountain avens
and willow communities are often associated with Turbic Great Groups and
hence an increased micro-relief.
A number of terrain types with silt textured Turbic Cryosol soils are
identified as potential land-use problem areas. The combination of slope
angle and silt over ice-rich permafrost increases the amount of instability
of the land surface as is indicated by patterned ground, slope failures
and thermokarst slumping after natural disturbance.
164
. In.stab~!i!:Y .Cl:Ild E~rturbation .~re inll.erent components of low Arctic ecosystems.
However, the organisms and communities are adapted to cope with these
disruptive forces, and some populations require cyclic environmental
fluctuations for survival. The threshold whereby disturbance becomes
intolerable to existing ecosystems is conjectural and hence of concern
since most are structurally simple and closely inter-related. Therefore,
all the populations of the area must be respected with regard to their
functional importance in maintaining certain ecosystems.
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Element and Station
Stokes Point
Mean Daily Temp. (°C)
Mean Daily Max. Temp.
Mean Daily Min. Temp.
Max. Temp.
Min. Temp.
Komakuk Beach
Mean Daily Temp. (°C)
Mean Daily
Mean Daily Min. Temp.
Max. Temp.
Min. Temp.
Mean Total Precip. (em)
No. Days With Meas. Rain
No. Days With Meas. Precip.
Shingle Point
Mean Daily Temp (OC)
Mean Daily Max. Temp.
Mean Daily Min. Temp.
Appendix 1. Monthly temperature and precipitation values for six
stations nearest the study area in Alaska and Canada.
Jan. Feb.
Lat. 69° 20 1 N
-26.7
-22.2
-30.6
2.8
-49.4
-26.7
-22.8
-30.6
0
-41.1
Lat. 69° 35' N
-26.7
-22.2
-31.1
8.3
-46.7
0.86
1
3
-26.7
-22.2
-30.0
-0.6,
-42.2
0.30
0
3
Lat. 68° 57' N
-26.1 -26.1
-21.7 -22.2
-30.6 -30.0
March April
Long. 130° 46' W
-25.6
-22.2
-28.9
-2.8
-42.2
-17.8
-13.3
-21.7
8.9
-40.6
Long. 140° 11' W
-26.7
-22.8
-30.6
0
-47.8
0.15
0
1
-18.3
-13.9
-22.8
7.8
-35.6
0.30
0
1
Long. 137° 12' W
-26.1 -17.8
-22.2 -13.3
-30.0 -21.7
May June
El. 3m
-4.4
-1.1
-7.8
16.1
-26.1
2.2
5.0
-0.6
24.4
-7.2
El. 3m
-5.6
-2.2
-8.3
15
-25.0
0.36
0
2
2.8
5.6
-0.6
25.6
-8.9
1. 78
2
3
E1. 9m
-3.9
-0.6
-7.8
s.o
8.9
1.1
July
7.8
11.7
3.9
27.8
-2.8
7.2
11.7
2.8
27.2
-5.0
4.09
6
7
10.0
15.6
s.o
Aug.
6.7
10.0
3.3
23.3
-2.8
6.1
9.4
2.2
25.6
-2.8
3.28
4
5
8.9
12.8
5.0
Sept.
1.1
3.9
-1. 7
18.3
-9.4
0.6
3.3
-2.2
13.9
-11.1
1.57
3
5
1.7
4.4
-1.1
Oct.
-8.3
-5.6
-11.1
7.8
-30.0
-8.9
-5.6
-12.2
6.7
-23.9
2,11
*
6
-7.8
-4.4
-11.1
Nov.
-20.0
-16.7
-22.8
-3.9
-38.3
-18.9
-15.0
-23.3
7.2
-38.9
0.51
0
2
-20.0
-16.1
-11.1
pee.
-.24.4
-'~1. 7
-!27 .2
:. 3.3
-:4o.o
-:23.3
·h8.9
~27 .2
. 7.2
;44.4
0.08
0
*
i-23.9
~19.4
~27 .8
Year
-11.1
-7.8
-14.4
27.8
-49.4
-23.9
-7.8
-15.6
27.2
-47.8
15.4
16
38
-10.6
-6.7
-14.4
continued .•••••..
Max. Temp.
Min. Temp.
Mean Total Precip. (em)
No. Days With Meas. Rain
No. Days With Meas. Presip.
Old Crow
Mean Total Precip. (em)
No. Days With Meas. Rain
No. Days With Meas. Precip.
Barrow, Alaska
Mean Daily Temp. (°C)
Mean Dally Max. Temp.
Mean Daily Min. Temp.
Max. Temp.
Min. Temp.
Mean Total Precip. (em)
Barter Island, Alaska
Mean Daily Temp. (°C)
Mean Daily Max. Temp.
Mean Daily Min. Temp.
Jan.
3.3
-51.1
0.64
0
1
Feb.
1.7
-43.9
0.18
0
1
Lat. 67° 58' N
0.74
0
2
0.38
0
2
Lat. 71° 18' N
-26.7
-22.8
-30.6
1.7
-47.2
0.46
-27.8
-24.4
-31.1
0
-48.9
0.43
Lat. 70° 08' N
-27.2 -28.9
-23.3 -25.0
-31.1 -32.2
March
0
-42.2
0.15
0
1
April
7.8
-38.9
0.66
0
2
Long. 139° 38' W
0.84
0
3
0.91
0
2
Long. 156° 47' W
-26.1
-22.2
-29.4
0.6
-46.7
0.28
-17.8
-13.9
-21.7
5.6
-41.1
0.28
Long. 143° 38' W
-26.1 -17.2
-22.2 -12.8
-30.0 -21.7
May
17.8
-27.2
0.51
1
3
June
28.3
-8.9
2.49
7
7
El. 243m
0.74
1
2
5.36
5
5
. El. 9m
-7.8
-4.4
-10.6
7.2
-27.8
0.30
0.6
3.3
-1. 7
21.1
-13.3
0.91
E1. 12m
-6.1
-3.3
-8.9
1.1
3.9
-1. 7
July
27.8
-6.7
4.65
10
10
2.60
3
3
3.9
7.2
0.6
25.6
-5,6
1.96
5.0
8.9
1.7
Aug,
28.9
-3.9
3.25
8
8
1. 78
3
3
3.3
6.1
0.6
22.8
-6.7
2.29
4.4
7.2
1.7
Sept.
20.0
-13.3
1.37
3
6
1.20
1
2
-1.1
1.1
-2.8
16.7
-17.2
1.62
0
2.2
-2.2
Oct.
10.0
-27.8
3.81
1
9
1.45
1
5
-8.3
-6.1
-11.1
6.1
-29.4
1.27
-8.3
-5.0
-11.1
Nov.
6.7
-42.2
0.71
0
3
1.35
0
4
-18.3
-15.0
-21.7
·3.9
-40.0
0.58
-17.8
-14.4
-21.1
Dec.
1.7
-47.2
0.18
0
1
1.83
0
2
-23.9
-20.6
-27.2
1.1
:-48.3
:0.43
-23.3
-20.0
-27.2
Year
28.9
-51.1
18.6
30
52
19.15
14
35
-12.2
-9.4
-15.6
25.6
-48.9
10.82
-12.2
-8.9
-15.6
continued •••.•..•
Max. Temp.
Min. Temp.
Mean Total Precip. (em)
Jan.
3.9
-46.1
1.02
Feb, March
1.1 2.2
-50.6 -45.6
0.89 0.51
April May June July
6.1 11.1 19.4 23.9
-38.3 -26.7 -9.4 -4.4
0.43 0.64 1.30 2.24
I
I
!
I ~
I
......
0\
I
I
I
Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.[ Year
I
I
22.2 17.8 6.1 2.8
-4.4 -13.9 -29.4 -46.1
1.7 23.9
-46.11 -50.6
i
2.67 2.40 0.56 0.27 I
0.11 4.22
I
I
I
I
I
I
177
Appendix 2. Annotated species list with common names collected or
identified from the study area.
Trees
Betula papyrifera Marsh.
Pieea glauea (Moench)
Populus balsamifera L.
P. tremuloides Michx.
Tall and Low Shrubs
VASCULARS
Alnus crispa (Ai t.) Pursh ssp. crispa
Betula glandulosa Michx.
B. glandulosa x nana 1
B. nana L. ssp. exilis (Sukatsch.) Hult.
B. occidentalis Hook.
Chamaedaphne calyculata (L.) Moench
Juniperis communis L.
J. communis L. ssp. nana (Willd.) Syme
Ledum palustre L. ssp. decumbens (Ait.) Hult.
L. palustre L. ssp. groenlandicum (Oeder) Hult.
Ribes triste Pall.
Rosa acicularis Lindl.
Salix alaxensis (Anderss.) Cov. ssp.
alaxensis
S. alaxensis (Anderss.) Cov. ssp.
longis ty lis (Rydb . ) Hul t.
S. arbusculoides Anderss.
S. glauca L.
S. glauca L. var. acutifolia (Hook.) Hult
S. glauca L. var. glauca
S. hastata L.
S. lanata L. ssp. richardsonii (Hook.)
A. Skvortz
S. planifolia ssp. pulchra (Cham.) Argus
S. rep tans Rupr.
S. reticulata L. ssp. reticulata
S. sphenophylla A. Skvortz
Shepherdia eanadensis (L.) Nutt.
Vaccinium uliginosum L. ssp. alpinum
(Bigel.) Hul t.
paper birch
white spruce
balsam poplar, cottonwood
quaking aspen
mountain alder
dwarf birch
dwarf birch
dwarf birch
shrub birch
cassandra
common mountain juniper
common mountain juniper
northern Labrador tea
Labrador tea
northern red currant
prickly rose
felt leaf willow
felt leaf willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
netted willow
willow
soapberry
alpine blueberry
178
Herbs , Dwarf Shrubs and Grasses
AchiZZea boreaZis Bong.
Aconitum deZphinifoZium DC.
A. deZphinifoZium DC. ssp. deZphinifoZium
A. vio Zaceum (Hornem.) Lange ssp. andinum
(Scribn. & Sm.) Mekderis
A. yukonense Scribn. & Merr.
AZopecurus aZpinus Sm. ssp. aZpinus
Andromeda poZifoZia L.
AndPosace chamaejasme Host ssp. Zehmanniana
(Spreng. ) Hul t .
A. septentrionaZis L.
Anemone dPummondii S. Wats.
A. parvifZora MiChx.
A. richardsonii Hook.
Antennaria aZaskana Malte
A. friesiana (Trautv.) Ekman ssp. aZaskana
(Malte) Hult.
A. friesiana (Trautv.) Ekman ssp. compacta
(Malte) Hult.
Arctagrostis ZatifoZia (R. Br.) Griseb. var.
Zatifolia
ArctostaphyZos aZpina (L.) Spreng.
A. rubra (Rehd. & Wilson) Fern.
A. uva-ursi (L . ) Spreng.
Arnica aZpina (L.) Olin
A. frigida C.A. Mey.
Artemesia aZaskana Rydb.
A . arctica Less . ssp . comata (Rydb . ) Hul t.
A. frigida Willd.
A. tiZesii Ledeb. ssp. eZatior (Torr. &
Gray) Hult.
Aster ciZiatus (Ledeb.) Fedsch.
A. sibiricus L.
AstragaZus aboriginum Richards.
A. aZpinus L.
A. aZpinus L. ssp. arcticus (Bunge) Hult.
A. umbeZZatus Bunge
Boschniakia rossica (Cham. & Schlecht.) Fedtsh.
Boykinia richardsonii (Hook.) Gray
Braya humiZis (C.A. Mey.) Robins.
B. purpurascens (R. Br.) Bunge
Bromus pumpeZZianus Scribn.
B. pumpeZZianus Scribn. ssp. arcticus
(Shear Pors.
BupZeurum triradiatum Adams
B. triradiatum Adams ssp. arcticum (Regel) Hult.
CaZamagrosti? canadensis (MiChx.) Beauv.
C. purpurascens R. Br.
yarrow
monkshood
monkshood
wheat grass
wheatgrass
alpine foxtail
bog rosemary
sweet-flowered androsace
fairy candelabra
cut-leaved anemone
anemone
anemone
pussytoe
pussytoe
pussytoe
polar grass
bearberry
Arctic bearberry
kiimikiilllick
maguire
arnica
wonnwood
wonnwood
prairie sagewort
wonnwood
aster
aster
milk vetch
milk vetch
milk vetch
milk vetch
Alaska boykinia
mustard
mustard
brome grass
brome grass
thoroughwax
thoroughwax
bluejoint
reed bent grass
ca-Uh,a paZustris L. SS:P~·~ m>atiaa ~ (R.c~~BLJ Hul t.
Campanula unifolora L.
Cardamine bellidifolia L.
C. hyperborea O.E. Schulz
C. miarophylla Adams
C. pratensis L. ssp. dngustifolia Q-Iook.)
O.E. Schulz
Carex amblyorhynaha Krecz.
C. aquatilis Wahlenb.
C. atrofusaa Schkuhr
C. bigelowii Torr.
C. aapillaris L.
C. aapitata Soland. in L.
C. aonainna R. Br.
C. glaaialis Mack.
C. gy~oarates Wormsk.
C. Zimosa L.
C. Zivida (Wahlenb.) Willd.
C. lugens Holm
C. maaroahaeta C.A. Mey
C. maritima Gunn.
C. media R. Br.
C. membranaaea Hook.
C. miaroahaeta Holm
C. misandra R. Br.
C. nardina E . . Fries
C. petriaosa Dew.
C. rariflora (Wahlenb.) J.E. Sm.
C. rupestris All.
C. saxatilis L. ssp. laxa (Trauv.) Kalela
C. sairpoidea Michx.
C. spp.
C. vaginata Tausch
Cassiope tetragona (L.) D. Don
C. tetragona (L.) D. Don ssp. tetragona
Castilleja aaudata (Pennell) Rebr.
Cerastium beeringianum Cham. & Schlecht. var.
grandiflorum (Fenzl) Hult.
C. maximum L.
Chrysanthemum integrifolium Richards.
Claytonia aautifolia Pakk. ssp. graminifolia
Hult.
C. sarmentosa E.A. Mey.
Corydalis aurea Willd.
Crepis nana Richards.
Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh.
Delphinium braahyaentrum Ledeb.
D. glauaum S. wats.
Desahampsia brevifolia R. Br.
D. aaespitosa L. Beauv. var. aaespitosa
179
ma_rsh.~ma:dgQld _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _
bellflower
·bitter cress
bitter cress
bitter cress
cuckoo flower
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
Lapland cassiope
Lapland cassiope
Indian paintbrush
mouse-ear chickweed
mouse-ear chickweed
chrysanthemum
spring beauty
spring beauty
golden corydalis
hawk's-beard
fragile fern
larkspur
larkspur
grass
grass
180
D. caespitosa ~L:'~CBeauv ~ ~~var. gZauaa (Hartm;)
Sam.
Diapensia Zapponiaa L.
Dodeaatheon frig~dum Cham. & Schlecht.
Draba aZpina L.
D. aorymbosa 3
D. fZadnizensis ~ulf. 3
D. Zaatea Adams 1 Draba paZouderiana
Dryas drummondii Richards.
D. integrifoZia M. Vahl. ssp. integrifoZia
D. oatopetaZa L. ssp. oatopetaZa
D. ssp.
Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott
Dupontia fisaheri R. Br. ssp. psiZosantha
(Rupr.) Hult.
EZymus arenarius L. ssp. mo Z Us (Trin.) Hul t
var. viZZosissimus (Scribn.) Hult.
Empetrum nigrum L. ssp. henmaphroditum
(Lange) Becher
EpiZobium Zatifolium L.
Equisetum arve~se L.
E. mu Zti flora
E. paZustre L.
E. pratense L.
E. scirpoides Michx.
E. siZvatiaum L.
E. variegatum Schleich. ssp. variegatum
Erigeron eriocephaZus J. Vahl
E. hyperboreus Greene
Eriophorum angustifolium Honck. ssp. subaratiaum
(Vassil jev.) Hult.
E. angustifoZium Honck. ssp. triste
(T. Fries) Hult.
E. brachyantherum Trautv. & Mey.
E. aaUitrix Cham.
E. saheuahzeri Hoppe var. scheuchzeri
E. scheuahzeri Hoppe var. tenuifolium
E. vaginatum ssp. spissum (Fern.) Hult
E. vaginatum L. ssp. vaginatum
Eritriahium aretioides (Cham.) DC.
Erysimum paZZasii (Pursh) Fern
Eutrema edWardSii R. Br.
Fustuaa aZtaiaa Trin.
F. braahyphyZZa Schult.
F. ovina L. ssp. aZaskensis Holmen
F. rubra L. coll. ssp. riahardsonii (R. Br.)
Hult.
Gentiana glauca Pall.
G. propinqua Richards.
grass-
shooting star
mustard
mustard
mustard
mustard
mustard
yellow dryas
mountain avens
mountain avens
avens
shield fern
grass
lyme grass
crowberry
river beauty
connnon horsetail
horsetail
horsetail
horsetail
horsetail, scouring rush
horsetail
horsetail
fleabane, wild daisy
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
Arctic forget-me-not
mustard
mustard
fescue grass
fescus grass
fescue grass
fescue grass
gentian
gentian
G:. propinqua Richards~.~-ssp. propinqua
Geum gZaciaZe Adams
G. rossii (R. Br.) Ser.
Hedysarum aZpinum L. ssp. americanum (Michx.)
Fedtsch
H. mackenzii Richards.
HierochZoe aZpina (Sw.) Roem. & Schult.
H. paucifZora R. Br.
Hippuris vuZgaris L.
Juncus arcticus Willd.
J. arcticus Willd. ssp. aZaskanus Hult.
J. baZticus Willd.
J. bigZumis L.
J. castaneus Sm.
J. trigZumis L.
J. trigZumis L. ssp. trigZumis
Kobresia myosuroides (Vi11.) Fiori & Paol.
K. sibirica Turcz.
K. simpZiciuscuZa (Wahlenb.)
Lagotis gZauca Gaertn.
L. gZauca Gaertn. ssp. minor (Wi11d.) Hult.
LesquereZZa arctica (Wormsk.) S. Wats.
Linnaea boreaZis L.
Lupinus arcticus S. Wats.
LuzuZa arctica Blytt
L. arcuata (Wahlenb.)
L. confusa Lindeb.
L. muZtifZora (Retz.) Lej. var. frigida
(Buchenau) Sam.
L. muZtifZora (Retz.) Lej. ssp. muZtifZora
L. parvi fZora (Ehrh. ) Desv.
L. tundricoZa Goroodk
Lycopodium caZavatum L. ssp. monostachyon
(Grev. & Hook.) Sel.
L. compZanatum L.
L. seZago L.
L. seZago L. ssp. appressum (Desv.) Hult.
MeZandrium affine J. Vahl
M. apetaZum (L.) Fenzl. ssp. arcticum
(E. Fries) Hult.
Menyanthes trifoZiata L.
Mertensia panicuZata (Ait.) G. Don ssp.
panicuZata
Minuartia arctica (Stev.) Aschers. & Graebn.
M. rossii (R. Br.) Graebn.
M. rube Z Za (Wahlenb. ) Grabn.
Myosotis aZpestris F. W. Schmidt ssp.
asiatica Vestergr.
Orchis rotundifoZia Banks.
Oxyria digyna (L.) Hi11
-gentian~~
avens
avens
hedysarum
hedysarum
holy grass
holy grass
mare's tail
rush
rush
rush
rush
rush
rush
rush
sedge
sedge
sedge
figwort
figwort
bladder-pod
tw"inflower
lupine
wood rush
wood rush
wood rush
wood rush
wood rush
wood rush
wood rush
corrnnon club moss
Christmas green,
fir club moss
club moss
bladder-campion
bladder-campion
buckbean
bluebe11
minuartia
minuartia
minuartia
forget-me-not
orchid
mountain sorrel
181
creeping Jenny
182
_______ _axy-tEDpi.s_ara_t_i_aa_R._lir_.
0. bore a lis DC.
0. campestris (L.) DC. ssp. gracilis
(Nels.) Hult.
0. koyukukensis Pors.
0. maydelliana Trautv.
0. nigrescens (P~]J.) Fisch. ssp. pygmaea
(Pall.) Hult.
0. scammaniana Hult.
0. spp.
0. viscida Nutt.
Papaver macounii Greene
P. spp.
Parnassia kotzebuei Cham. & Schlecht.
P. palustris L. ssp. neogaea (Fern.) Hult.
Parrya nudicaulis (L.) Regel ssp.
septentrionalis Hult.
Pedicularis capitata Adams
P. kanei Durand ssp. kanei
P. labradorica Wirsing
P. langsdorffii Fisch. ssp. arctica (R. Br.)
Pennell
P. oederi M. Vahl
P. spp.
P. sudetica Willd.
P. verticillata L.
Petasites frigidus (L.) Franch.
Phlox sibirica L.
Pinguicula vulgaris L.
Poa abbreviata R. Br.
P. alpigena (E. Fries) Lindm.
P. alpina L.
P. arctica R. Br.
P. glauca M. Vahl
P. lanata Scribn. & Merr.
P. pratensis L.
P. pseudoabbreviata Roshev.
P. spp.
Polemonium acutiflorum Willd.
P. boreale Adams
Polygonum bistora L. ssp. plumosum
(Small) Hult.
P. viviparum L.
Potentilla biflora Willd.
P. fruticosa L.
P. hookeriana Lehm.
P. multifida L.
P. nivea L.
P. palustris (L.) Scop.
FTimula sibirica Jacq.
loco-weed
loco-weed
late yellow loco-weed
loco-weed
loco-weed
loco-weed
loco-weed
loco-weed
loco-weed
poppy
poppy
grass-of-pamassus
northem-grass-of-pamassus
mustard
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
sweet coltsfoot
phlox
bitterwort
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
Jacob's ladder
Jacob's ladder
bistort
bistort
conquefoil
shrubby cinquefoil
. cinguefoil
cinquefoil
cinquefoil
marsh fivefinger
primrose
183
· Pyrota secunazr~(:t:}~~House ~2 --· · ~--Wintergreen.-~-~~~--------- ------
P. secunda L. ssp. obtusata (Turcz.) Hult. one-sided wintergreen
P. rotundifolia ssp. grandiflora (Radius)
Andres 2
Ranunculus hyperboreus Robbt.
R. nivalis L.
R. pedatifidus Sm~ ssp. affinis (R. Br.)
Hult.
Rhododendron lapponicwn (L.) Wahlenb .
Rubus articus L. ssp. acaulis ~ichx.) Focke
R. chamaemorus L.
Salix aratiaa Pall.
S. aratophila Cockerell
S. barrattiana Hook.
S. braahyaarpa ssp. nip hoc lada (Rydb . ) Ar~
S. braahyaarpa ssp. niphoalada x S. glauaa
S. ahamissonis Anderss.
S. fusaesaens anderss.
S. ovalifolia·Trautv. ovalifolia 1
Salix phleborphylla Anderss.
S. rotundifolia ssp. dodgeana (Rydb.) Argus
Saussurea angustifolia (Willd.) DC.
S. nuda Led.b. var. dens a (Hook.) Hul t.
S. visaida Hult. var. yukonensis (Pars.) Hult.
Saxifraga bronahialis L. spp. funstonii
(Small) Hult.
S. aernua L.
S. davuriaa Willd. ssp. grandipetala
(Engler & Irmsch.) Hult.
S. foliolosa R. Br.
S. foliolosa R. Br. var. multiflora Hult.
S. hieraaifolia Waldst. & Kit.
S. hiraulus L.
S. oppositifolia L.
S. punatata L. ssp. nelsoniana (D. Don) Hult.
S. triauspidata Rottb.
Sedwn rosea (L.) Scop. ssp. integrifoliwn
(Raf.) Hult.
Senecio atropurpureus (Ledeb.) Fedtsch. ssp.
frigidus (Richards . ) Hul t.
S. aongestus (R. Br.) DC.
S. fusaatus (Jord. & Fourr.) Hayek
S. lugens Richards.
S. residifolius Less.
S. spp.
Silene aaaulis L. spp. aaaulis
Stellaria edWardsii R. Br.
S. laeta Richards.
S. Zongpipes Goldie
S. monantha Hult.
buttercup, crowfoot
snow buttercup -buttercup------- - - - - - - -· - - - - - - -· - -
Lapland roesbay
dwarf raspberry
cloudberry
Arctic willow
dwarf willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
dwarf willow
willow
willow
sawwort
sawwort
sawwort
spotted saxifrage
bulblet saxifrage
saxifrage
grained saxifrage
grained saxifrage
stiff-stemmed saxifrage
bog saxifrage
purple mountain saxifrage
cordate-leaved saxifrage
prickly saxifrage
roseroot
groundsel
march fleabane
groundsel
groundsel
groundsel
groundsel
moss campion
chickweed
chickweed
chickweed
chickweed
184
Thalitriaum alpinum L.
· · · To fie l:div. ~alpine L ·~ ·
T. coccinea Richards.
T. pusi Ua (Michx.) Pers .
Trichophorum caespitosum (L.) Hartm.
ssp. austriacum (Pall.) Hegi
Triglochin maritimum L.
T. pa Zustris L.
Trisetum spicatum (L.) Richter
Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. ssp. minus (Lodd.)
Hult.
Valeriana capitata Pall.
Wilhelmsia physodes (Fisch.) McNeil
Woodsia ilvensis (L.) R. Br.
Zygadenus elegans Pursh
1 Nomenclature according to G. W. Argus
2 Nomenclature according to G. Mulligan
3 Nomenclature according to E. Haber
meadow rue
-false· asphodel··
false asphodel
false asphodel
rush
arrow grass
arrow grass
grass
lingonberry
valerian
lady fern
white camass
185
' ---~=-~~~~--~-~~-~~-~~--~-~--~=--~--~--~------~~---~---~---~~----~--~"-=-=-~-~~-~~~-~-~--~~-~--~~~-~~~--~----~-~-~--=--~---~-=--=--~
MOSSES
Andreaea rupestris Hedw.
AuZaaomnium paZustre (Hedw.) Schwaegr.
A. turgidum (Wahlenb.) Schwaegr.
Braahytheeium turgidum (Hartm.) Kindb.
B. spp.
BryoerythrophyUum reaurvirostrum (Hedw.) Chen
Bryum argenteum Hedw.
B. aryophiZum Mart.
B. pseudotriquetrum (Hedw.) Gaertn., Meyer & Schreb.
B. spp.
B. wrightii Sull. & Lesq.
CaUiergon giganteum (Schimp.) Kindb.
c. spp
CampyZium steUatum (Hedw.) C. Jens.
Catosaopium nigritum (Hedw.) Brid.
CinaZidium aratiaum (B.S.G.) Schimp.
CirriphyZZum airrosum (Schwaegr.ex Schultes) Grout
Cyrtomnium hymenophyUiodes (Heub.) Kop.
Diaranoweisia arispuZa (Hedw.) Linab.ex Milde
Diaranum aautifoZium (Lindb. & Am.) C. Jens. ex Weirun
D. eZongatum Schleich ex. Schwaegr.
D. muehZenbeakii B.S.G.
D. saoparium Hedw.
D. spp.
Distiahium aapi Z Zaaeum (Hedw.) B.S. G.
Ditriahum fZexiaauZe (Schwaegr.) Hampe
DrepanoaZadus revoZvens (Sw.) Warnst.
D. unainatus (Hedw.) Warnst.
Eurhynahium puZaheUum (Hedw.) Jenn.
Fissidens osmundoides Hedw.
Grimmia aZpiaoZa Hedw.
HyZoaomium spZendens (Hedw.) B.S.G.
Isopterygium puZaheUum (Hedw.) Jaeg. & Sauerb.
Meesia triquetra (Richt.) .Angstr.
M. uZiginosa Hedw.
Onaophorus wahZenbergii Brid
Orthotheaium ahryseum (Schwaegr. ex Schultes) B.S.G.
Orthotriahum speaiosum Nees ex Sturm
PhiZonotis fontana (Hedw.) Brid. var. pumiZa (Turn.) Brid.
PZagiomnium medium .(B.S. G.) Kop.
PZeurozium sahreberi (Brid.) ~litt.
Poh Zia aruda (Hedw.) Lindb.
PoZytriahum commune Hedw.
P. juniperinum Hedw.
P. piZiferum Hedw.
P. striatum Brid.
Rhaaomitrium Zanuginosum (Hedw.) Brid.
Rhytidium rugosum (Hedw.) Kindb.
Seorpidium turgesaens (T. Jens.) Loeske
186
Sphagnum capi Uaceum (Weiss) Schrank
S. girgensohnii Russ.
S. spp.
S. squarrosum Crome
Te trap Zodon rrmioides (Hedw.) B.S. G.
Thuidium abietinum (Hedw.) B.S.G.
Timmia austriaca Hedw.
Tomenthypnum nitens (Hedw.) Loeske
Tortu Za norvegica (Web.) Wahlenb ex Lindb.
T. rurdZis (Hedw.) Gaertn. , Meyer & Scherb.
LIVERWORTS
BarbiZophozia barbata (Schmid.)
BZepharostoma trichophyZZum (L.) Dumort.
CaZypogeia neesiana (M.&C.) K. Muell.
Chandonanthos setiformis (Ehrh.) Lindb.
Mesoptchia sahZgergii
PtiZidium ciliate (L.) Hampe
Riccardia pinguis (L.) S.F. Gray
Scapania simmonsii
SphenoZobus spp.
LICHENS
Aleatoria nitidula (Th. Fr.) Vain
A. oahro Zeuaa (Hoffm.) Mass .
A. subdivergens--Dahl-
A. tenius Dahl
Asahinea ahrysantha (Tuck.) W. Culb & C. Culb.
Caloplaaa splendens (Darb.) Zahlbr.
Cetraria aommixta (Nyl.) Th. Fr.
C. auaul Zata (Bell.) Ach.
C. is Zandiaa (L • ) Ach.
C. Zaevigata Rass.
C. nivaZis (L.) Ach.
c. pinastri (Seep.) S. Gray
C. riahardsonii Hook
c. tiZesii Ach.
CZadina aZpestris (L.) Harm. c. mitis (Sandst) Hale & W. Culb
CZadonia amauroaraea (Florke) Schaer.
C. phyZZophora Hoffm.
C. pyxidata (L.) Hoffm.
c. spp.
CorniauZaria aauZeata (Schreb.) Ach.
C. normoeriaa (Gunn.) Du Rietz
DaatyZina aratiaa (Hook.) Nyl.
Evernia mesomorpha Nyl.
E. perfragiZis Llano
Haematc~a Zapponiaum Ras.
Hypogymnia physodes (L.) W. Wats.
H. subobsaura (Vain.) Poelt
IcmadophiZa eriaetorum (L.) Zahlbr.
Leaanora aoiZoaarpa (Ach.) Nyl.
L. subfusaa (L.) Ach.
Leaidea spp.
Leptogium saturninum (Dicks • ) Nyl.
Nephroma aratiaum (L.) Torss.
OahroZeahia upsaZiensis (L.) Mass.
ParmeZia panniformis (Nyl.) Vain.
P. separata Th. Fr.
P. suZaata Tayl.
ParmeZiopsis ambigua (Wulf.) Nyl.
PeZtigera aphthosa (L.) Willd.
P. aanina (L.) Willd.
Pertusaria daatyZina (Ach.) Nyl.
Physaonia musaigena (Ach.) Poelt
PoZybZastia aupuZaris Mass.
PolybZastiopsis induatula (Nyl.) Fink
RamaZina minusauZa (Nyl.) Nyl.
Rhizoaarpon aonaentriaum (Dav.) Beltr.
R. geographiaum (L.) DC.
187
188
SoZorina bispora Nyl.
S. crocea (L.) Ach.
StereoeauZon grande (Magn.) Magn.
ThamnoZia subuZiformis (Ehrh.) W. Culb.
UmbiZiearia hyperborea (Ach.) Ach.
U. proboseidea (L.) Schrad.
Usnea spp.
Appendix 3. Stand locations with general vegetation type and physical features
in the study area. Site number refers to those placed on Figure 1.
PORCUPINE PLATEAU
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE % SLOPE ELEvATION (m)
Grayling lake 1 1 Low shrub -herb; Salix 51 WNW 15 760
glauaa aautifolia/D~yas
oatopetala
1 2 Dwarf heath shrub w/ 54 s 10 600
open white spruce;
Vaaainium vitis-idaea
minus-V. uliginosum
alpinum
1 3 Low shrub-heath; Betula 38 NNE 8 550
nana exilis/Hyloaomium
splendens
1 4 Low shrub-heath; Betula 59 s 10 580
nana exilis/Hyloaomium
splendens
1 5 Dwarf heath, wet sedge; 41 0 490
C~ex memb~anaaea-
A~atostaphylos ~ub~a/
Tomenthypnum nitens
1 6 Tall willow-heath shrub; 35 NW 9 500
Salix glauaa aautifolia/
Ledum groenlandiaum-
Vaaainium vitis-idaea
minus
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE % SLOPE I ELEVATION (m)
Kongakut River 11 27 Wet sedge meadow; SaZix 48 ENE 1 60
ovaZifoZia ovaZifoZia/
Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia-Aratagrostis
ZatifoZia ZatifoZia-Carex
bigeZowii
11 28 Heath-sedge tussock tundra; 56 NNW 2 70
Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia-Cassiope
tetragona-Carex sairpoidea-
Vaaainium uZiginosum
aZpinum
11 29 Low shrub-sedge meadow & 57 NNE 3 70
hummocky tundra; Salix
Zanata riahardsonii-Carex
vaginata/HyZoaomium spZendens
11 30 Low shrub-sedge meadow & 66 N 1 85
hummocky tundra; Salix
pZanifoZia puZahra/Carex
bigeZowii
Okerokovik River 10 37 Tussock tundra; Salix 62 NE 9 213
retiauZata retiauZata-Dryas
integrifoZia integrifoZia-
Eriophorum vaginatum
vaginatum/Tomenthypnum nitens
10 38 Wet sedge meadow; SaZix 36 ENE 1 210
pZanifoZia puZahra/Carex
bigeZowii
I-'
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES \D
NUMBER +::-
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE g,
0 SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
Ca.rming River Sa 39 Dwarf shrub-Dryas meadow; 20 ENE 1 ·.122
Salix ovalifolia ovalifolia/
Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia/Aratagrostis
latifolia latifolia
Sagavanirktok 9 40 Dwarf shrub-Dryas 26 0 ' 20
River meadow; Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia-Carex
bigelowii
9 41 Dwarf shrub-Dryas 26 0 18
meadow; Salix retiaulata
retiaulata-Dryas
integrifolia integrifolia/
Tomenthypnum nitens
9 42 Tussock tundra; Salix 60 NNW 1 20
planifolia pulahra/Carex
bigelowii-Eriophorum
vaginatum vaginatum
9 43 Wet sedge meadow; Carex 22 E 1 100
bigelowii-C. rariflora-
c. saxitilus laxa
9 44 Wet sedge meadow; Salix 50 0 30
retiaulata retiaulata-
Carex bigelowii/Tomenthypnum
nitens
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES ·EXPoSURE % SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
9 45 Heath-sedge tussock tundra; 62 0 50
Cassiope tetragona/C~ex
bigelowii-Ledum palustre
decumbens
Kadleroshilik 8 53 Wet sedge meadow; Salix 42 SSE 6 80
River reticulata retiaulata-
C~ex bigelowii/
Tomenthypnum nitens
8 54 Heath-sedge tussock tundra; 54 ESE 1 70
Cassiope tetragona/C~ex
bigelowii/Ledum palustre
decumbens
Weir Creek -7 57 Low shrub-sedge meadow 52 WSW 2 150
& hurrnnocky tundra; Sa Zix
planifolia pulchra-
C~ex misandra/Aulocomnium
turgidum-Hylocomium
splendens
7 58 Riparian willow shrub; 25 N 2 130
Salix planifolia pulchra/
Petasites frigidus
Hill 659 8 59 Wet sedge meadow; Betula 39 sw 7 130
nana exilis/C~ex
aquatilis-C. bigelowii .
8 60 Tussock tundra; Salix 46 sw 7 140
planifolia pulchra/C~ex
bigelowii-C. misandra
Lake 188 8 61 Wet sedge meadow; Salix 22 0 60
planifolia pulchra/C~ex
aquatiZis
I-'
1.0
U1
1-'
STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES i
~ SITE NUMBER 0\
I
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE % SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
8 62 Wet sedge meadow; Salix 44 0 60
Petiaulata Petiaulata/CaPex
bigelowii/Tomenthypnum
nitens
Kongakut River 11 31 Tussock tundra; Salix 54 N 8 250
planifolia pulahPa/
EPiophoPum vaginatum
vaginatum/Hyloaomium
splendens
11 32 Sedge meadow; Salix 40 NNE 7 210
glauaa glauaa/CaPex
aquatilis-Petasites
fPigidus
11 33 Sedge meadow; Salix 38 NNE 4 160
planifolia/pulahPa/CaPex
aquatiZis
Red Hill 7a 46 Tussock tundra; Salix 42 NW 13 550
planifolia pulahPa/CaPex
bigelowii/Hyloaomium
splendens
7a 47 Dwarf shrub-sedge; Salix 43 NNW 20 520
Petiaulata Petiaulata-
DPyas integPifolia
integPifolia/Tomenthypnum
nitens
7a 48 Dwarf shrub-sedge meadow; 47 N 40 470
CaPex membPanaaea/Hyloaomium
splendens-Tomenthypnum nitens
' I
SI1E STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER • I
!,
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE % SLOPE EIJEVATION (m)
7a 49 Dwarf shrub-sedge meadow; 45 N 13 450
Salix retiaulata retiaulata
Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia-Carex bigelowii
Gilead Creek 6a 50 Riparian shrub & open 41 NNW 4 460
forest; Salix alaxensis
alaxensis-S. planifolia
pulahra/Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia w/balsam
poplar
6a 51 Riparian shrub & open 32 NNW 1 460
forest; Salix alaxensis
alaxensis/Hyloaomium
splendens
6a 52 Dwarf heath lichen tundra; 44 NNW 35 470
Vaaainium uliginosum
alpinum-V. vitis-idaea minus
Red Hill ?a 55 Open dwarf shrub heath 24 SSE 9 430
barrens; Salix retiaulata
retiaulata-Ledum palustre
deaumbens/Poa alpina
7a 56 Open dwarf shrub heath 25 s 15 420
barrens; Salix retiaulata
retiaulata-Ledum palustre
deaumbens/Poa alpina
I
Okerokovik 10 34 Riparian willow shrub; 59 N 3 :430
River Salix retiaulata
retiaulata/Tomenthypnum
nitens
......
1.0
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER 00
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE 9., 0 SLOPE E$vATION ~m)
10 35 Low & dwarf willow 62 ENE 6 I 440
shrub tundra; Salix
retiaulata retiaulata-
Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia/Tomenthypnum
nitens
10 36 Low & dwarf willow 50 ESE 21 490
shrub tundra; Salix
planifolia pulahra-
Salix retiaulata
retiaulata/Tomenthypnum
nit ens
Marshfork of 5 63 Riparian willow shrub; 30 NW 3 750
C8IU1ing River Aratostaphylos rubra-
Pyrola rotundifoZ.ia
grandifl.ora w/SaZ.ix
alaxensis alaxensis
5 64 Alpine Dryas meadow & 47 NW 7 780
barren; Dryas integri-
folia integrifoZ.ia -
Carex misandra/Rhyti-
dium rugosum
5 65 Alpine Dryas meadow & 44 ENE 3 780
barren; Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia-Carex
sairpoidea
5 66 Riparian willow shrub; 26 NNW 3 750
Salix alaxensis
alaxensis -S. pZ.anifolia
pulahra/Dryas integrifoZ.ia
integrifolia
159
6.4 Application of Biotic and Abiotic Relationships
Analyzing a number of environmental factors by a simple correlation is
a first step in understanding some of the relationships involved in biological
systems. However, cause and effect relationships are not necessarily
indicated by simple correlation since plant distribution and growth is
a function of all environmental factors.
A number of relationships between factors was associated with changes
during succession. The increase in species diversity was associated
with plant community development on alluvium except under mature white
spruce. Increase in micro-relief is also associated with community maturity
which offers a more diverse habitat for species establishment. Species
diversity is also higher at mid-slope positions which usually represents
a median between the environmental extremes of the dry rocky ridge-tops
and wet slope bases. Lichens decrease in importance with more vascular
cover and are assessed as important colonizers in gravelly, rocky areas
especially common in the mountains. MOss species, on the other hand,
are more common in wet areas and high cover is frequently common in wet
sedge, tussock tundra and sedge-low shrub vegetation types. Both moss
and lichen diversity is lower when vascular species diversity is high
and hence appears to be partially limited by competition.
Sites, including those with young balsam poplar and white birch, which
.. c:tre favorab1e to greater growth--rates and· species diversity probably
have more available nutrients (Hettinger et aZ.~ 1973). The possibility
160
of nutrients becoming less available with successional maturity has been
discussed by Bliss and Cantlon (1957) and Heilman (1966, 1968). Rejuvenation
of the available nutrient pool appears to occur after fires and is related
to increase in available nutrients partly through an increase in the
active layer depth (Bliss and Wein, 1972). Indications from this and
past studies are that disturbance and perturbation are continual processes
in the Low Arctic and northern boreal ecosystems and fluctuations of
population numbers are inherently associated with these changes. Unless
disturbances are severe, a trend toward original conditions is rapidly
established. Severe disturbance on permafrost is of concern however
since subsidence of the surface and additional slumping may take a relatively
long time to stablize. This feature and the simplistic structure of
the ecosystems are mostly responsible for the widespread concept of fragility
in the Arctic (Bliss et aZ., 1973). However Dunbar (1973) discusses
the concept that instability is a naturally occurring phenomenon of most
Arctic systems which are therefore adapted to perturbation. The amount
of disturbance that northern ecosystems can tolerate before irreversibie
change is initiated is the questionable entity and caution is the best
policy in land use. Heginbottom (1973) indicates that slope failure
is a common result of a number of disturbances including fire and ground
vegetation removal. A number of guidelines have been developed and are
discussed by Wein and Bliss (1973a,c) with regard to potential problem
areas. The presence of silty soil over high ice-content permafrost is
probably the extreme of instability which is compounded where slopes
are involved. Most problem areas are indicated by a high frequency of
----------~natural-mstalJn~-ry~it:n~C::bula45e~in:creasea~by . usage of~'fne. area· 15y----~· _. -.·.-----· ---
man..
161
7. 0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Fourteen clusters with 41 component associations are categorized for
the study area from the cluster analysis. Ubiquitous species are a dominant
character for several groups, but combinations of dominant species are
used for the association nomenclature.
Stands from widely separated areas are often placed in the same association
as a result of similar composition. However, the association is used
as an indication of some environmental equivalency and therefore it is
possible to have, for instance, stands from a xeric site in the Arctic
Coastal Plain and a more mesic site in the Porcupine Plateau within the
same association.
Thirty basic vegetation categories are utilized to classify the associations
in relation to terrain types. Wet sedge meadow, dwarf or low shrub sedge
and white spruce forest types occur most freq~ently in the physiographic
regions. However, sedge, herb-sedge, lichen me~dows and heath shrub
vegetation·cover the greatest amount of area.
Successional trends toward white spruce climax are identified in the
Porcupine Plateau, Southern Foothills and Brooks Range. The riparian
sere established after alluvial disturbance with balsam poplar, willow
and sometimes alder vegetation typifying much of the vegetation. Secondary
succession after fire or slope failures is characterized by white spruce
162
or mixed stands of white birch and white spruce. The white spruce/feather-
moss community which are here recognized as a climax type require at least
125 years to develop on alluvium and about 110 years on upland sites.
Heath and sedge vegetation types may eventually replace white spruce
vegetation if the active layer bec-omes thin and cold enough, but the
replacement takes at least 300 years and hence climax status depends
on the time scale used in making comparisons with seres in other areas.
Alpine vegetation develops mostly on frost shattered rock and colluvial
surfaces. Lichens, sedges, mountain avens and dwarf willow are important
in the early portion of upland seres. An increase in heaths including
Lapland cassiope, and moss is associated with the more mature portion
of the sere. Mature vegetation in the Arctic Foothills and Arctic Coastal
Plain is represented by heath, sedge, and cotton grass communities which
occupy a median between xeric and hydric habitat extremes. Species of
the early portion of the sere are varied since hydric to xeric conditions
are involved. Felt-leaved willow is important as a colonizer in most
riparian seres, but is usu~lly succeeded by other willow species which
in turn are replaced by species with a lower stature.
A trend from medium tall and tall shrub types toward low shrub and graminoid
communities is frequently indicated for most riparian and upland sites
within the study area throughout most of the coastal plain. A decrease
in the active layer depth, and associated decrease in aeration, soil
temperatures and possibly nutrient turn()ver rate is related to sere maturity.
Most of the tree species have higher growth rates in the earlier portions
of the sere when active layer depths are relatively deep and soils are
still well-drained. Communities with greater microtopographic relief
163
are associated with mature communities, with the exception of white spruce
types. Increase in micro-relief is also related to an increase in species
diversity. Both lichen and moss species diversity appears to be limited
by the presence of vascular species. MOst of the soils were found to
be immature. The Eutric Brunisol soils of well drained slopes and ridges
are the best developed and support relatively diverse communities. Cryosols
and Regosols which represent two extremes in soil environment, are common,
with Cryosols predominating in all of the areas except the Brooks Range.
The predominance of the Gleysolic Turbic Cryosol Subgroup gives an indication
of the high frequency of instability due to frost action and associated
drainage. No consistent relationships between soil sub-groups and vegetation
types are indicated. Regosols are usually associated with early vegetation
successional phases, especially on alluvium and bedrock. Mountain avens
and willow communities are often associated with Turbic Great Groups and
hence an increased micro-relief.
A number of terrain types with silt textured Turbic Cryosol soils are
identified as potential land-use problem areas. The combination of slope
angle and silt over ice-rich permafrost increases the amount of instability
of the land surface as is indicated by patterned ground, slope failures
and thermokarst slumping after natural disturbance.
164
Instability and perturbation are inherent components of low Arctic ecosystems.
However, the organisms and communities are adapted to cope with these
disruptive forces, and some populations require cyclic environmental
fluctuations for survival. The threshold whereby disturbance becomes
intolerable to existing ecosystems is conjectural and hence of concern
since ·most are structurally simple and closely inter-related. Therefore,
all the populations of the area must be respected with regard to their
functional importance in maintaining certain ecosystems.
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Element and Stiation
Stokes Poin~
Mean Daily Temp. ! (°C)
Mean Daily Max. ~emp.
Mean Daily Min. temp.
Max. Temp.
Min. Temp.
I
Komakuk BeacH
Mean Daily Temp. ' (°C)
Mean Daily
Mean Daily Min. Temp.
Max. Temp.
Min. Temp.
Mean Total Precig. (em)
No. Days With Me~s. Rain
No. Days With Meas. Precip.
Shingle Poinfi
Mean Daily Temp (oc)
Mean Daily Max. ~emp.
Mean Daily Min. temp.
Appendix 1. Monthly temperature and precipitation values for six
stations nearest the study area in Alaska and Canada.
Jan. Feb.
Lat. 69° 20' N
-26.7
-22.2
-30.6
2.8
-49.4
-26.7
-22.8
-30.6
0
-41.1
Lat. 69° 35 1 N
-26.7
-22.2
-31.1
8.3
-46.7
0.86
1
3
-26.7
-22.2
-30.0
-0.6,
-42.2
0.30
0
3
Lat. 68° 57' N
-26.1 -26.1
-21.7 -22.2
-30.6 -30.0
March April
Long. 130° 46 1 W
-25.6
-22,2
-28,9
-2.8
-42.2
-17.8
-13.3
-21.7
8.9
-40.6
Long. 140° 11' W
-26.7
-22.8
-30.6
0
-47.8
0.15
0
1
-18.3
-13.9
-22.8
7.8
-35.6
0.30
0
1
Long. 137° 12' W
-26.1 -17.8
-22.2 -13.3
-30.0 -21.7
May June
El. 3m
-4.4
-1.1
-7.8
16.1
-26.1
2.2
s.o
-0.6
24.4
-7.2
El. 3m
-5.6
-2.2
-8.3
15
-25.0
0.36
0
2
2.8
5.6
-0.6
25.6
-8.9
1. 78
2
3
El. 9m
-3.9
-0.6
-7.8
s.o
8.9
1.1
July
7.8
11.7
3.9
27.8
-2.8
7.2
11.7
2.8
27.2
-s.o
4.09
6
7
10.0
15.6
5.0
Aug.
6.7
10.0
3.3
23.3
-2.8
6.1
9.4
2.2
25.6
-2.8
3.28
4
5
8.9
12.8
s.o
Sept.
1.1
3.9
-1. 7
18.3
-9.4
0.6
3.3
-2.2
13.9
-11.1
1.57
3
5
1.7
4.4
-1.1
Oct.
-8.3
-5.6
-11.1
7.8
-30.0
-8.9
-5.6
-12.2
6.7
-23.9
2.11
*
6
-7.8
-4.4
-11.1
Nov.
-20.0
-16.7
-22.8
-3.9
-38.3
-18.9
-15.0
-23.3
7.2
-38.9
0.51
0
2
-20.0
-16.1
-11.1
Dec.
-24.4
-21.7
-27.2
3.3
-40.0
-23.3
-18.9
-27.2
7.2
-44.4
0.08
0
*
-23.9
-19.4
-27.8
Year
-11.1
-7.8
-14.4
27.8
-49.4
-23.9
-7.8
-15.6
27.2
-47.8
15.4
16
38
-10.6
-6.7
-14.4
,,
continu~d .•.•••..
Max. Temp.
Min. Temp.
Mean Total Prec~p. (em)
I
I
No. Days With Meas. Rain
No. Days With M~as. Presip.
Old Crow
I Mean Total Predp. (em)
I
No. Days With M~as. Rain
No. Days With M~as. Precip.
Barrow, Alaska!
Mean Daily Temp .. i (°C)
I
Mean Daily Max. !Temp.
Mean Daily Min. 'Temp.
Max. Temp.
Min. Temp.
Mean Total Precilp. (em)
Barter Island, •Alaska
I
Mean Daily Temp •. f (°C)
Mean Daily Max. !Temp.
I
Mean Daily Min. iTemp.
Jan.
3.3
-51.1
0.64
0
1
Feb.
1.7
-43.9
0.18
0
1
Lat. 67° 58' N
0.74
0
2
0.38
0
2
Lat. 71° 18' N
-26.7
-22.8
-30.6
1.7
-47.2
0.46
-27.8
-24.4
-31.1
0
-48.9
0.43
Lat. 700 08 1 N
-27.2 -28.9
-23.3 -25.0
-31.1 -32.2
March
0
-42.2
0.15
0
1
April
7.8
-38.9
0.66
0
2
Long. 139° 38 1 W
0.84
0
3
0.91
0
2
Long. 156° 47' W
-26.1
-22.2
-29.4
0.6
-46.7
0.28
-17.8
-13.9
-21.7
5.6
-41.1
0.28
Long. 1430 38' W
-26.1 -17.2
-22.2 -12.8
-30.0 -21.7
May
17.8
-27.2
0.51
1
3
June
28.3
-8.9
2.49
7
7
El. 243m
0.74
1
2
5.36
5
5
. El. 9m
-7.8
-4.4
-10.6
7.2
-27.8
0.30
0.6
3.3
-1. 7
21.1
-13.3
0.91
El. 12m
-6.1
-3.3
-8.9
1.1
3.9
-1. 7
July
27.8
-6.7
4.65
10
10
2.60
3
3
3.9
7.2
0.6
25.6
-5.6
1.96
5.0
8.9
1.7
Aug.
28.9
-3.9
3.25
8
8
1. 78
3
3
3.3
6.1
0.6
22.8
-6.7
2.29
4.4
7.2
1.7
Sept.
20.0
-13.3
1.37
3
6
1.20
1
2
-1.1
1.1
-2.8
16.7
-17.2
1.62
0
2.2
-2.2
Oct.
10.0
-27.8
3.81
1
9
1.45
1
5
-8.3
-6.1
-11.1
6.1
-29.4
1.27
-8.3
-5.0
-11.1
Nov.
6.7
-42.2
o. 71
0
3
1.35
0
4
-18.3
-15.0
-21.7
·3.9
-40.0
0.58
-17.8
-14.4
-21.1
Dec.
1.7
-47.2
0.18
0
1
1.83
0
2
-23.9
-20.6
-27.2
1.1
:-48.3
0.43
-23.3
-20.0
-27.2
Year
28.9
-51.1
18.6
30
52
19.15
14
35
-12.2
-9.4
-15.6
25.6
-48.9
10.82
-12.2
-8.9
-15.6
continued ••• : ••••• Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Year
Max. Temp. 3.9 1.1 2.2 6.1 11.1 19.4 23.9 22.2 17.8 6.1 2.8 1.7 23.9
Min. Temp. -46.1 -50.6 -45.6 -38.3 -26.7 -9.4 -4.4 -4.4 -13.9 -29.4 -46.1 -46.1 -50.6
Mean Total Precip. i<cm) 1.02 0.89 0.51 0.43 0.64 1.30 2.24 2.67 2.40 0.56 0.27 0.19 4.22
177
Appendi~ 2. Annotated species list with common names collected or
identified from the study area.
Trees
Betula papyrifera Marsh.
Picea glauca (Moench)
Populus balsamifera L.
P. tremuloides Michx.
Tall and Low Shrubs
VASCULARS
Alnus crispa (Ai t.) Pursh ssp. crispa
Betula glandulosa Michx.
B. glandulosa x nana 1
B. nana L. ssp. exilis (Sukatsch.) Hult.
B. occidentalis Hook.
Chamaedaphne calyculata (L.) Moench
Juniperis communis L.
J. communis L. ssp. nana (Willd.) Syme
Ledum palustre L. ssp. decumbens (Ait.) Hult.
L. palustre L. ssp. groenlandicum (Oeder) Hult.
Ribes triste Pall.
Rosa acicularis Lindl.
Salix alaxensis (Anderss.) Cov. ssp.
alaxensis
S. a laxensis (Anderss . ) Cov. ssp.
longisty lis (Rydb.) Hul t.
S. arbusculoides Anderss.
S. glauca L.
S. glauca L. var. acutifolia (Hook.) Hult
S. glauca L. var. glauca
S. hastata L.
S. lanata L. ssp. richardsonii (Hook.)
A. Skvortz
S. planifolia ssp. pulchra (Cham.) Argus
S. rep tans Rupr.
S. reticulata L. ssp. reticulata
S. sphenophylla A. Skvortz
Shepherdia. canadensis (L.) Nutt.
Vaccinium uliginosum L. ssp. alpinum
(Bigel.) Hul t.
paper birch
white spruce
balsam poplar, cottonwood
quaking aspen
mountain alder
dwarf birch
dwarf birch
dwarf birch
shrub birch
cassandra
common mountain juniper
common mountain juniper
northern Labrador tea
Labrador tea
northern red currant
prickly rose
felt leaf willow
felt leaf willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
netted willow
willow
soapberry
alpine blueberry
178
Herbs , Dwarf Shrubs and Grasses
Achillea borealis Bong.
Aconitum delphinifolium DC.
A. delphinifolium DC. ssp. delphinifolium
A. vio laceum (Hornem. ) Lange ssp. andinum
(Scribn. & Sm. ) Mekderis
A. yukonense Scribn. & Merr.
Alopecurus alpinus Sm. ssp. alpinus
Andromeda polifolia L.
Androsace chamaejasme Host ssp. lehmanniana
(Spreng. ) Hul t.
A. septentrionalis L.
Anemone drummondii S. Wats.
A. parviflora Michx.
A. richardsonii Hook.
Antennaria alaskana Malte
A. friesiana (Trautv.) Ekman ssp. alaskana
(Malte) Hult.
A. friesiana (Trautv.) Ekman ssp. compacta
(Malte) Hult.
Arctagrostis latifolia (R. Br.) Griseb. var.
latifolia
Arctostaphylos alpina (L.) Spreng.
A. rubra (Rehd. & Wilson) Fern.
A. uva-ursi (L. ) Spreng.
Arnica alpina (L.) Olin
A. frigida C.A. Mey.
Artemesia alaskana Rydb.
A. arctica Less . ssp. comata (Rydb . ) Hul t.
A. frigida Willd.
A. tilesii Ledeb. ssp. elatior (Torr. &
Gray) Hult.
Aster ciliatus (Ledeb.) Fedsch.
A. sibiricus L.
Astragalus aboriginum Richards.
A. alpinus L.
A. alpinus L. ssp. arcticus (Bunge) Hult.
A. um be llatus Bunge
Boschniakia rossica (Cham. & Schlecht.) Fedtsh.
Boykinia richardsonii (Hook.) ·Gray
Braya humilis (C.A. Mey.) Robins.
B. purpurascens (R. Br.) Bunge
Bromus pumpellianus Scribn.
B. pumpellianus Scribn. ssp. arcticus
(Shear Pars .
Bupleurum triradiatum Adams
B. triradiatum Adams ssp. arcticum (Regel) Hult.
Calamagrosti? canadensis (Michx.) Beauv.
C. purpurascens R. Br. ·
yarrow
monkshood
monkshood
wheat grass
wheatgrass
alpine foxtail
bog rosemary
sweet-flowered androsace
fairy candelabra
cut-leaved anemone
anemone
anemone
pussytoe
pussytoe
pussytoe
polar grass
bearberry
Arctic bearberry
kinnikinnick
maguire
arnica
wonnwood
wonnwood
prairie sagewort
wonnwood
aster
aster
milk vetch
milk vetch
milk vetch
milk vetch
Alaska boykinia
mustard
mustard
brome grass
brome grass
thoroughwax
thoroughwax
bluejoint
reed bent grass
Caltha palustPis L. ssp. aPctica (R. Br.) Hult.
Campanula unifoloPa L.
CaPdamine bellidifolia L.
C. hypePboPea O.E. Schulz
C. micPophylla Adams
C. pPatensis L. ssp. dngustifolia (Hook.)
O.E. Schulz
CaPex amblyoPhyncha Krecz.
C. aquatilis Wahlenb.
C. atPofusca Schkuhr
C. bigelowii .Torr.
C. capillaPis L.
C. capitata Soland. in L.
C. concinna R. Br.
C. glacialis Mack.
C. gy~ocPates Wormsk.
C. Umosa L.
C. Uvida (Wahlenb.) Willd.
C. lug ens Holm
C. macPochaeta C.A. Mey
C. maPitima Gunn.
C. media R. Br.
C. membPanacea Hook.
C. micPochaeta Holm
C. misandPa R. Br.
C. naPdina E . . Fries
C. petPicosa Dew.
C. PaPifloPa (Wahlenb.) J.E. Sm.
C. PupestPis All.
C. saxatilis L. ssp. laxa (Trauv.) Kalela
C. sciPpoidea Michx.
c. spp.
C. vaginata Tausch
Cassiope tetPagona (L.) D. Don
C. tetPagona (L.) D. Don ssp. tetPagona
Castilleja caudata (Pennell) Rebr.
CePastium beePingianum Cham. & Schlecht. var.
gPandifloPum (Fenzl) Hult.
C. maximum L.
ChPysanthemum integPifolium Richards.
Claytonia acutifolia Pakk. ssp. gPaminifolia
Hult.
c. saPmentosa E.A. Mey.
CoPydalis aUPea Willd.
CPepis nana Richards .
CystoptePis fPagilis (L.) Bernh.
Delphinium bPachycentPum Ledeb.
D. glaucum S. wats.
Desahcunpsia bPevi.fo Ua R. Br.
D. caespitosa L. Beauv. var. caespitosa
marsh marigold
bellflower
·bitter cress
bitter cress
bitter cress
cuckoo flower
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
sedge
Lapland cassiope
Lapland cassiope
Indian paintbrush
mouse-ear chickweed
mouse-ear chickweed
chrysanthemum
spring beauty
spring beauty
golden corydalis
hawk's-beard
fragile fern
larkspur
larkspur
grass
grass
179
180
D. caespitosa L. Beauv. var. gZauca (Hartm.)
Sam.
Diapensia Zapponiaa L.
Dodeaatheon frig~dum Cham. & Schlecht.
Draha aZpina L.
D. aorymbosa 3
D. fZadnizensis ~lf. 3
D. Zaatea Adams 1 Draba paZouderiana
Dryas drummondii Richards.
D. integrifoZia M. Vahl. ssp. integrifoZia
D. oatopetaZa L. ssp. oatopetaZa
D. ssp.
Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott
Dupontia fisaheri R. Br. ssp. psiZosantha
(Rupr.) Hul t.
EZymus arenarius L. ssp. moZZis (Trin.) Hult
var. viZZosissimus (Scribn.) Hult.
Empetrum nigrum L. ssp. hermaphroditum
(Lange) Bacher
EpiZobium ZatifoZium L.
Equisetum arve~se L.
E. multiflora
E. paZustre L.
E. pratense L.
E. sairpoides Michx.
E. siZvatiaum L.
E. variegatum Schleich. ssp. variegatum
Erigeron erioaephaZus J. Vahl
E. hyperboreus Greene
Eriophorum angustifoZium Honck. ssp. subaratiaum
(Vassil jev.) Hult.
E. angustifoZium Honck. ssp. triste
(T. Fries) Hult.
E. braahyantherum Trautv. & Mey.
E. aaUitrix Cham.
E. saheuahzeri Hoppe var. saheuahzeri
E. saheuahzeri Hoppe var. tenuifoZium
E. vaginatum ssp. spissum (Fern.) Hult
E. vaginatum L. ssp. vaginatum
Eritriahium aretioides (Cham.) DC.
Erysimum paZZasii (Pursh) Fern
Eutrema edWardsii R. Br.
Fustuaa aZtaiaa Trin.
F. braahyphyZZa Schult.
F. ovina L. ssp. aZaskensis Holmen
F. rubra L. call. ssp. richardsonii (R. Br.)
Hult.
Gentiana gZauaa Pall.
G. propinqua Richards.
grass
shooting star
mustard
mustard
mustard
mustard
mustard
yellow dryas
mountain avens
mountain avens
avens
shield fern
grass
lyme grass
crowberry
river beauty
connnon horsetail
horsetail
horsetail
horsetail
horsetail, scouring rush
horsetail
horsetail
fleabane, wild daisy
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
cotton grass
Arctic forget-me-not
mustard
mustard
fescue grass
fescus grass
fescue grass
fescue grass
gentian
gentian
G. propinqua Richards. ssp. propinqua
Geum glaaiale Adams
G. rossii (R. Br.) Ser.
Hedysarum alpinum L. ssp. ameriaanum (Michx.)
Fedtsch
H. maakenzii Richards.
Hieroahloe alpina (Sw.) Roem. & Schult.
H. pauaiflora R. Br.
Hippuris vulgaris L.
Junaus aratiaus Willd.
J. aratiaus Willd. ssp. alaskanus Hult.
J. baltiaus Willd.
J. biglumis L.
J. aastaneus Sm.
J. triglumis L.
J. triglumis L. ssp. triglumis
Kobresia myosuroides (Vill.) Fiori & Paol.
K. sibiriaa Turcz.
K. simpliciusaula (Wahlenb.)
Lagotis glauaa Gaertn.
L. glauaa Gaertn. ssp. minor (Willd.) Hult.
Lesquerella arctica (Wonnsk.) S. Wats.
Linnaea borealis L.
Lupinus arcticus S. Wats.
Luzula arctica Blytt
L. arauata (Wahlenb.)
L. confusa Lindeb.
L. multiflora (Retz.) Lej. var. frigida
(Buchenau) Sam.
L. multiflora (Retz.) Lej. ssp. multiflora
L. parvi flora (Ehrh.) Desv.
L. tundricola Goroodk
Lycopodium calavatum L. ssp. monostaahyon
(Grev. & Hook.) Sel.
L. complanatum L.
L. selago L.
L. selago L. ssp. appressum (Desv.) Hult.
Melandrium affine J. Vahl
M. apetalum (L.) Fenzl. ssp. arcticum
(E. Fries) Hult.
Menyanthes trifoliata L.
Mertensia paniculata (Ai t.) G. Don ssp.
paniculata
Minuartia arctica (Stev.) Aschers. & Graebn.
M. rossii (R. Br.) Graebn.
M. rubella (Wahlenb.) Grabn.
Myosotis alpestris F. W. Schmidt ssp.
asiatica Vestergr.
-· ~--Orchi,s ~rovund1;fo-Ua Banks.
Oxyria digyna (L.) Hill
gentian
avens
avens
hedysarurn
hedysarurn
holy grass
holy grass
mare's tail
rush
rush
rush
rush
rush
rush
rush
sedge
sedge
sedge
figwort
figwort
bladder-pod
twinflower
lupine
wood rush
wood rush
wood rush
wood rush
wood rush
wood rush
wood rush
corrnnon club moss
181
Christmas green, creeping Jenny
fir club moss
club moss
bladder-campion
bladder-campion
buckbean
bluebell
rninuartia
rninuartia
rninuartia
forget-me-not
orchid
mountain sorrel
---~---~~-~ ~ ~-~ ~~~-~~~---
182
Oxytropis aratiaa R. Br.
0. borealis DC .
0. aampestris (L.) DC. ssp. graailis
(Nels.) Hult.
0. koyukukensis Pors.
0. maydelliana Trautv.
0. nigresaens (Pall.) FisCh. ssp. pygmaea
(Pall.) Hult.
0. saammaniana Hult.
0. spp.
0. visaida Nutt.
Papaver maaounii Greene
P. spp.
Parnassia kotzebuei Cham. & SchleCht.
P. palustris L. ssp. neogaea (Fern.) Hult.
Parrya nudiaaulis (L.) Regel ssp.
septentrional-is Hult.
Pediaularis aapitata Adams
P. kanei Durand ssp. kanei
P. labradoriaa Wirsing
P. langsdorffii FisCh. ssp. aratiaa (R. Br.)
Pennell
P. oederi M. Vahl
P. spp.
P. sudetiaa Willd.
P. vertiaillata L.
Petasites frigidus (L.) Franch.
Phlox sibiriaa L.
Pinguicula vulgaris L.
Poa abbreviata R. Br.
P. alpigena (E. Fries) Lindm.
P. alpina L.
P. aratiaa R. Br.
P. glauaa M. Vahl
P. lanata Scribn. & Merr.
P. pratensis L.
P. pseudoabbreviata Roshev.
P. spp.
Polemonium aautiflorum Willd.
P. boreale Adams
Polygonum bistora L. ssp. plumosum
(Small) Hul t.
P. viviparum L.
Potentilla biflora Willd.
P. frutiaosa L.
P. hookeriana Lehm.
P. multi fida L.
P. nivea L.
P. pa Z.ustris (L . ) Scop .
Primula sibiriaa Jacq.
loco-weed
loco-weed
late yellow loco-weed
loco-weed
loco-weed
loco-weed
loco-weed
loco-weed
loco-weed
poppy
poppy
grass-of-parnassus
northen1-grass-of-parnassus
mustard
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
lousewort
sweet coltsfoot
phlox
bitterwort
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
blue grass
Jacob 1 s ladder
Jacob 1 s ladder
bistort
bistort
conquefoil
shrubby cinquefoil
_ cinguefoil
cinquefoil
cinquefoil
marsh fivefinger
primrose
Pyro la secunda (L.) House 2
P. secunda L. ssp. obtusata (Turcz.) Hult.
P. rotundifolia ssp. grandiflora (Radius)
Andres 2
Ranunculus hyperboreus Robbt.
R. nivalis L.
R. pedatifidus Sm. ssp. affinis (R. Br.)
Hult.
Rhododendron lapponicum (L.) Wahlenb.
Rubus articus L. ssp. acaulis QMiChx.) Focke
R. chamaemorus L.
Salix arctica Pall.
S. arctophila Cockerell
S. barrattiana Hook.
S. brachycar>pa ssp. niphoclada (Rydb.) Arguz
S. brachycar>pa ssp. niphoclada x S. glauca
S. chamissonis Anderss.
s, fuscescens anderss. 1 S. ovalifolia Trautv. ovalifolia
Salix phleboy.phylla Anderss.
S. rotundifolia ssp. dodgeana (Rydb.) Argus
SaussUY'ea angustifolia (Willd.) DC.
S. nuda Ledb. var. dens a (Hook.) Hul t.
S. viscida Hult. var. yukonensis (Pors.) Hult.
Saxifraga bronchialis L. spp. funstonii
(Small) Hult.
S. cernua L.
S. davUY'ica Willd. ssp. grandipetala
(Engler & Irmsch.) Hult.
S. foliolosa R. Br.
S. foliolosa R. Br. var. multiflora Hult.
S. hieracifolia Waldst. & Kit.
S. hirculus L.
S. oppositifolia L.
S. punctata L. ssp. nelsoniana (D. Don) Hult.
S. tricuspidata Rottb.
Sedum rosea (L.) Scop. ssp. integrifolium
(Raf. ) Hul t.
Senecio atropUPpUY'eus (Ledeb.) Fedtsch. ssp.
frigidus (Richards . ) Hul t.
S. congestus (R. Br.) DC.
S. fuscatus (Jord. & Fourr.) Hayek
S. lugens Richards.
S. residifolius Less.
S. spp.
Silene acaulis L. spp. acaulis
Stellaria edWardsii R. Br.
S. laeta Richards. -·· s. iangpipes~ Goiclfe ~-·· -·· -· --
S. monantha Hult.
wintergreen
one-sided wintergreen
buttercup, crowfoot
snow buttercup
buttercup
Lapland roesbay
dwarf raspberry
cloudberry
Arctic willow
dwarf willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
willow
dwarf willow
willow
willow
sawwort
sawwort
sawwort
spotted saxifrage
bulblet saxifrage
saxifrage
grained saxifrage
grained saxifrage
stiff-stemmed saxifrage
bog saxifrage
183
purple mountain saxifrage
cordate-leaved saxifrage
prickly saxifrage
rose root
groundsel
march fleabane
groundsel
groundsel
groundsel
groundsel
moss campion
chickweed
chickweed
--diici<Weed
chickweed
184
ThaZitriaum aZpinum L.
TofieZdia alpine 1
T. aoaainea RiChards.
T. pusi Z Za (Michx.) Pers .
Triahophorum aaespitosum (L.) Hartm.
ssp. austriaaum (Pall.) Hegi
TrigZoahin maritimum L.
T. paZustris L.
Trisetum spicatum (L.) Richter
Vaaainium vitis-idaea L. ssp. minus (Lodd.)
Hult.
VaZeriana aapitata Pall.
WiZheZmsia physodes (Fisch.) McNeil
Woodsia iZvensis (L.) R. Br.
Zygadenus eZegans Pursh
1 Nomenclature according to G. W. Argus
2 Nomenclature according to G. Mulligan
3 Nomenclature according to E. Haber
meadow rue
false asphodel
false asphodel
false asphodel
rush
arrow grass
arrow grass
grass
lingonberry
valerian
lady fern
white camass
MOSSES
Andreaea rupestris Hedw.
AuZacorrmium paZustre (Hedw.) Schwaegr.
A. turgidum (Wahlenb.) Schwaegr.
Brachythecium turgidum (Hartm.) Kindb.
B. spp.
BryoerythrophyUum recurvirostrum (Hedw.) Chen
Bryum argenteum Hedw.
B. cryophiZum Mart.
B. pseudotriquetrum (Hedw.) Gaertn., Meyer & Schreb.
B. spp.
B. wrightii Sull. & Lesq.
CaZZiergon giganteum (Schimp.) Kindb.
c. spp
CampyZium steZZatum (Hedw.) C. Jens.
Catoscopium nigri tum (Hedw.) Brid.
CincZidium arcticum (B.S.G.) Schimp.
CirriphyZZum cirrosum (Schwaegr.ex Schultes) Grout
Cyrtomnium hymenophyUiodes (Heub.) Kop.
Dicranoweisia crispuZa (Hedw.) Linab.ex Milde
Dicranum acutifoZium (Lindb. & Arn.) C. Jens. ex Weirun
D. eZongatum Schleich ex. Schwaegr.
D. muehZenbeckii B.S.G.
D. scoparium Hedw.
D.spp.
Distichium ca:pi Z Zaceum (Hedw. ) B . S. G.
Ditrichum fZexicauZe (Schwaegr.) Hampe
DrepanocZadus revoZvens (Sw.) Warnst.
D. uncinatus (Hedw.) Warnst.
Eurhynchium puZcheZZum (Hedw.) Jenn.
Fissidens osmundoides Hedw.
Grimmia aZpicoZa Hedw.
HyZocomium spZendens (Hedw.) B.S.G.
Isopterygium puZcheUum (Hedw.) Jaeg. & Sauerb.
Meesia triquetra (Richt.) Angstr.
M. uZiginosa Hedw.
Oncophorus wahZenbergii Brid
Orthothecium chryseum (Schwaegr. ex Schultes) B.S.G.
Orthotrichum speciosum Nees ex Sturm
PhiZonotis fontana (Hedw.) Brid. var. pumiZa (Turn.) Brid.
PZagiorrmium medium (B.S. G.) Kop .
PZeurozium schreberi (Brid.) ~litt.
Poh Zia cruda (Hedw. ) Lindb .
PoZytrichum commune Hedw.
P. juniperinum Hedw.
185
--~-----------~------P: p:r--u]emiTn~Heaw-:-------------------------------------~~-------------------------------------------
P. strictum Brid.
Rhacomitrium Zanuginosum (Hedw.) Brid.
Rhytidium rugosum (Hedw.) Kindb.
Scorpidium turgescens (T. Jens.) Loeske
186
Sphagnum capiZZaceum (Weiss) Schrank
S. girgensohnii Russ.
S. spp.
S. squarrosum Crome
Te trap Zodon rrmioides (Hedw.) B. S • G •
Thuidium abietinwn (Hedw.) B.S. G.
Timmia austriaca Hedw.
Tomenthypnwn nitens (Hedw.) Loeske
TortuZa norvegica (Web.) Wahlenb ex Lindb.
T. ruraZis (Hedw.) Gaertn. , Meyer & Scherb.
LIVERWORTS
BarbiZophozia barbata (Schmid.)
BZepharostoma trichophyZZum (L.) Dumort.
CaZypogeia neesiana (M.&C .) K. Muell.
Chandonanthos setiformis (Ehrh.) Lindh.
Mesoptchia sahZgergii
PtiZidium ciZiate (L.) Hampe
Riccardia pinguis (L.) S.F. Gray
Scapania simmonsii
SphenoZobus spp.
LICHENS
AZectoria nitiduZa (Th. Fr.) Vain
A. ochroZeuca (Hoffm.) Mass.
A. subdivergens Dahl
A. ten ius Dahl
Asahinea chrysantha (Tuck.) W. Culb & C. Culb.
CaZopZaca spZendens (Darb.) Zahlbr.
Cetraria commixta (Nyl.) Th. Fr.
C. cucuUata (Bell.) Ach.
C. isZandica (L.) Ach.
C. Zaevigata Rass.
c. nivaZis (L.) Ach.
c. pinastri (Scop.) S. Gray
C. richardsonii Hook
C. tiZesii Ach.
CZadina aZpestris (L.) Hann. c. mitis (Sandst) Hale & W. Culb
CZadonia amaurocraea (Florke) Schaer.
C. phyZZophora Hoffm.
C. pyxidata (L. ) Hoffm.
c. spp.
CornicuZaria acuZeata (Schreb.) Ach.
C. normoerica (Gunn..) Du Rietz
DactyZina arctica (Hook.) Nyl.
Evernia mesomorpha Nyl.
E. perfragiZis Llano
Haematcrw~a Zapponicum Ras .
Hypogymnia physodes (L.) W. Wats.
H. subobscura (Vain.) Poelt
Icmadophi Za ericetorum (L.) Zahlbr.
Lecanora coiZocarpa (Ach.) Nyl.
L. subfusca (L.) Ach.
Lecidea spp.
Leptogium saturninum (Dicks.) Nyl.
Nephroma arcticum (L.) Torss.
OchroZechia upsaZiensis (L.) Mass.
ParmeZia panniformis (Nyl.) Vain.
P. separata Th. Fr.
P. suZcata Tayl.
Par,meZiopsis ambigua (Wulf.) Nyl.
PeZtigera aphthosa (L.) Willd.
P. canina (L.) Willd.
Pertusaria dactyZina (Ach.) Nyl.
Physconia muscigena (Ach.) Poelt
187
---~ -~ _________________________ ro_1yl2 -~q_£ti_a_G11P_y.~kari_a_ __ ~Mas_s~-·~-------------~-------------------------------------------------- -- ----
PoZybZastiopsis inductuZa (Nyl.) Fink
RamaZina minuscuZa (Nyl.) Nyl.
Rhizocarpon concentricum (Dav.) Beltr.
R. geographicum (L.) DC.
188
SoZorina bispora Nyl.
S. eroeea (L.) Ach.
StereoeauZon grande (Magn.) Magn.
ThamnoZia subuZiformis (Ehrh.) W. Culb.
UmbiZiearia hyperborea (Ach.) Ach.
u. proboscidea (L.) Schrad.
Usnea spp.
Appehdix 3. Stand locations with general vegetation type and physical features
I in the study area. Site number refers to those placed on Figure 1.
PORCUPINE PLATEAU
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE ~ 0 SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
Grayling lak!e 1 1 Low shrub -herb; SaZix 51 WNW 15 760
i gZauc;a ac;utifoZia/Dryas
oc;topetaZa
1 2 Dwarf heath shrub w/ 54 s 10 600
open white spruce;
Vac;c;inium vitis-idaea
minus-V. uZiginosum
aZpinum
1 3 Low shrub-heath; BetuZa 38 NNE 8 550
nana exiZis/HyZoc;omium
spZendens
1 4 Low shrub-heath; BetuZa 59 s 10 580
nana exiZis/HyZoc;omium
spZendens
1 5 Dwarf heath, wet sedge; 41 0 490
Carex membranaaea-
Arc;tostaphyZos rubra/
Tomenthypnum nitens
1 6 Tall willow-heath shrub; 35 NW 9 500
Salix gZauaa aautifoZia/
Ledum groenZandiaum-
Vac;c;inium vitis-idaea
minus
f-1
1.0
0
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE S: 0 SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
1 7 Dryas-moss-shrub w/open 43 0 490
white spruce; Dryas
integrifolia integrifolia/
Tomenthypnum nitens
Koness River 2 8 Wet sedge meadow 38 NE 3 400
(strangmoor); Carex
bigelowii-C. rarifZora-
c. saxi ti Zus Zaxa
2 9 White birch forest; 34 w 25 430
Betula papyrifera/
HyZoaomium spZendens
2 10 White birch forest; 41 w 25 550
Betula papyrifera/
Hyloaomium splendens
2 11 Alpine and subalpine 23 0 760
Dryas meadow; Dryas
oatopetala oatopetala/
Minuartia rossii~ D.
integrifoZia integrifoZia-
Carex misandra/Rhytidium
rugosum
2 12 Alpine and subalpine 58 N 15 700
Dryas meadow; Dryas
oatopetaZa oatopetala/
Minuartia rossii~ D.
integrifolia integrifolia-
Carex misandra/Rhytidium
rugosum
~
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE % SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
Monument Cree~ 1 13 White spruce forest (white 30 0 490
spruce woodland terrace) ; .
Piaea gZauaa/HyZoaomium
spZendens
1 14 Balsam poplar forest; 26 0 490
PopuZus bal-samifera/
AratostaphyZos rubra/
PyroZa rotundifoZia
grandi[Zora
Index Mountain 3 15 Wet sedge meadow w/ 45 E 8 1280
scattered shrubs; SaUx
pZanifoZia puZahra/C~~ex
bigeZowii/HyZoaomium
spZendens
3 16 Low shrub-moss meadow; 50 E 15 1300
SaZix retiauZata
retiauZata/HyZoaomium
spZendens
3 17 Wet sedge meadow w/ 57 E 6 1270
scattered shrubs;
Cassiope tetragona-Cru~ex
bigeZowii
3 18 Alpine open dwarf shn1b-28 SE 12 1510
sedge; SaZix retiauZa1;a
retiauZata/Carex 8axiUZus
Zaxa
3 19 Alpine open dwarf shn1b-36 NNW 8 1510
sedge; SaZix retiauZa-t;a
retiauZata/Carex saxiUZus
·Z.axa
........
CD ........
1-'
!.0
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES N NUMBER
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE !!,
Q SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
3 20 Alpine open dwarf shrub-44 SSE 15 1342
sedge; Dryas ootopetata
ootopetata/Minuartia rossii
3 21 Dwarf shrub-sedge meadow; 43 E 10 1140
Satix retioutata retioutata/
HyZooomiurn spZendens
3 22 Low heath & willow shrub; 52 ENE 12 1160
SaZix ptanifoZia puZohra/
Petasites frigidus
3 23 Low heath & willow 58 NNE 7 850
shrub; Betul-a nana
exi Zis/Vaooiniurn
uliginosurn alpinurn
3 24 Low heath & willow 46 NNE 2 850
shrub; Betula nana
exilis/Hylooomium
splendens w/cotton
grass (Eriophorum
vaginatum vaginatum)
3 25 Low heath & willow 49 NNE 7 860
shrub; Salix retioutata
retioulata/Dryas
integrifolia integrifotia/
Tomenthypnum nitens w/open
willow (Salix ptanifoZia
pulohra)
3 26 Low shrub heath; Betul-a 57 WSW 13 760
nana exitis w/open
white spruce
' i SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER I
AREA! NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE !!, SLOPE ELEVATION (m) Q --i
I
Kongakut Riv~r 11 27 Wet sedge meadow; Salix 48 ENE 1 60
i ovalifoZia ovaZifoZia/
I Dryas integrifolia
! integrifoZia-Aratagrostis
I ZatifoZia ZatifoZia-Carex
i
bigelowii
11 28 Heath-sedge tussock tundra; 56 NNW 2 70
Dryas integrifoZia
integrifolia-Cassiope
tetragona-Carex sairpoidea-
Vacainium uliginosum
aZpinum
11 29 Low shrub-sedge meadow & 57 NNE 3 70
hummocky tundra; Sa Zix
Zanata riahardsonii-Carex
vaginata/HyZoaomium spZendens
11 30 Low shrub-sedge meadow & 66 N 1 85
hummocky tundra; Salix
i
pZanifoZia puZa~a/Carex
bigeZowii
i
i Okerokovik River 10 37 Tussock tundra; Sa Ux 62 NE 9 213 j retiauZata retiauZata-Dryas
integrifoZia integrifoZia-
Eriophorum vaginatum
vaginatum/Tomenthypnum nitens
10 38 Wet sedge meadow; Salix 36 ENE 1 210
pZanifoUa puZahra/Carex
bigeZowii
.......
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES 1.0
NUMBER .f.::>.
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE !!< 0 SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
Canning River Sa 39 Dwarf shrub-Dryas meadow; 20 ENE 1 122
SaZix ovaZifoZia ovaZifoZia/
Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia/Aratagrostis
ZatifoZia ZatifoZia
Sagavanirktok 9 40 Dwarf shrub-Dryas 26 0 20
River meadow; Dryas integrifoUa
integrifoZia-Carex
bigeZowii
9 41 Dwarf shrub-Dryas 26 0 18
meadow; SaZix retiauZata
retiauZata-Dryas
integrifoZia integrifoZia/
Tomenthypnum nitens
9 42 Tussock tundra; Sa Ux 60 NNW 1 20
pZanifoZia puZahra/Carex
bigeZowii-Eriophorum
vaginatum vaginatum
9 43 Wet sedge meadow; Carex 22 E 1 100
bigeZowii-C. rarifZora-
c. saxitiZus Zaxa
9 44 Wet sedge meadow; SaZix so 0 30
retiauZata retiauZata-
Carex bigeZowii/Tomenthypnum
nitens
SITE STAND :MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES ·EXPoSURE % SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
9 45 Heath-sedge tussock tundra; 62 0 50
Cassiope tetragona/C~ex
bigelowii-Ledum palustre
deaumbens
Kadleroshil;tk 8 53 Wet sedge meadow; Salix 42 SSE 6 80
River retiaulata retiaulata-
C~ex bigelowii/
Tomenthypnum nitens
8 54 Heath-sedge tussock tundra; 54 ESE 1 70
Cassiope tetragona/C~ex
bigelowii/Ledum palustre
deaumbens
Weir Creek 7 57 Low shrub-sedge meadow 52 WSW 2 150
& hummocky tundra; Salix
planifolia pulahra-
C~ex misandra/Auloaomnium
turgidum-Hyloaomium
splendens
7 58 Riparian willow shrub; 25 N 2 130
Salix planifolia pulahra/
Petasites frigidus
Hill 659 8 59 Wet sedge meadow; Betula 39 sw 7 130
nana exilis/C~ex
aquatilis-C. bigelowii
8 60 Tussock tundra; Salix 46 sw 7 140
planifolia pulahra/C~ex
bigelowii-C. misandra
Lake 188 8 61 Wet sedge meadow; Salix 22 0 60
planifoZia puZahra/C~ex
aquatilis
.......
1.0
VI
......
1.0 SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION 1YPES NUMBER 0\
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE 9.,
0 SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
8 62 Wet sedge meadow; Salix 44 0 60
reti~ulata reti~ulata/Carex
bigelowii/Tomenthypnum
nitens
Kongakut River 11 31 Tussock tundra; Salix 54 N 8 250
I planifolia pul~hra/
Eriophorum vaginatum
vaginatum/Hylo~omium
splendens
11 32 Sedge meadow; Salix 40 NNE 7 210
glau~a glau~a/Carex
aquatilis-Petasites
frigidus
11 33 Sedge meadow; Salix 38 NNE 4 160
planifolia/pul~hra/Carex
aquatiUs
Red Hill 7a 46 Tussock tundra; Salix 42 NW 13 550
planifolia pul~hra/Carex
bigelowii/Hylo~omium
splendens
7a 47 Dwarf shrub-sedge; Salix 43 NNW 20 520
reti~ulata reti~ulata-
Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia/Tomenthypnum
nitens
7a 48 Dwarf shrub-sedge meadow; 47 N 40 470
Carex membrana~ea/Hylo~omium
splendens-Tomenthypnum nitens
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE 9.: 0 SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
7a 49 Dwarf shrub-sedge meadow; 45 N 13 450
Salix retiaulata retiaulata
Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia-Carex bigelowii
Gilead Creek 6a 50 Riparian shrub & open 41 NNW 4 460
forest; Salix alaxensis
alaxensis-S. planifolia
pulahra/Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia w/balsam
poplar
6a 51 Riparian shrub & open 32 NNW 1 460
forest; Salix alaxensis
alaxensis/Hyloaomium
splendens
6a 52 Dwarf heath lichen tundra; 44 NNW 35 470
Vaaainium uliginosum
alpinum-V. vitis-idaea minus
Red Hill 7a 55 Open dwarf shrub heath 24 SSE 9 430
barrens; Salix retiaulata
retiaulata-Ledum palustre
deaumbens/Poa alpina
7a 56 Open dwarf shrub heath 25 s 15 420
barrens; Salix retiaulata
retiaulata-Ledum palustre
deaumbens/Poa alpina
Okerokovik 10 34 Riparian willow shrub; 59 N 3 430 River Salix retiaulata
retiaulata/Tomenthypnum
nitens
......
1.0
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER 00
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE % SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
10 35 Low & dwarf willow 62 ENE 6 440
shrub tundra; SaZix
retiauZata retiauZata-
Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia/Tomenthypnum
nitens
10 36 Low & dwarf willow 50 ESE 21 490
shrub tundra; SaZix
pZanifoZia puZahra-
SaZix retiauZata
retiauZata/Tomenthypnum
nit ens
Marshfork of I 5 63 Riparian willow shrub; 30 NW 3 750
Canning Ri ve)i AratostaphyZos rubra-
I PyroZa rotundifoZia
grandifZora w/BaZix
aZaxensis aZaxensis
5 64 Alpine Dryas meadow & 47 NW 7 780
barren; Dryas integri-
foZia integrifoZia -
Carex misandra/Rhyti-
dium rugosum
5 65 Alpine Dryas meadow & 44 ENE 3 780
barren; Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia-Carex
sairpoidea
5 66 Riparian willow shrub; 26 NNW 3 750
SaZix aZaxensis
aZaxensis -B. pZanifoZia
puZahra/Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER
AREA NU!viBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE ~ 0 SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
5 67 Alpine Dryas meadow & 25 NW 4 750
barren; Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia-Cassiope
tetragona w/willow
(Salix alaxensis alaxensis)
5 68 Alpine sedge meadow 44 w 2 750
(strangmoors); Dryas
integrifolia integrifolia
Tomenthypnum nitens
5 69 Alpine Dryas meadow & 45 w 30 990
barren; Dryas integri-
folia integrifolia/
Rhytidium rugosum
5 70 Alpine Dryas-sedge meadow; 53 w 15 860
Dryas integrifolia
integrifolia/Carex
scirpoidea
5 71 Alpine Dryas-sedge 45 WNW 10 860
meadow; Dryas integri-
folia integrifolia/
Carex scirpoidea
5 72 Low & dwarf willow 51 NW 30 860
shrub tundra; Salix
glauca acutifolia/
Arctostaphylos
rubra-Vaccinium uliginosum
alpinum
5 73 Alpine heath-Dryas 52 NNW so 870
meadows; Dryas
integrifolia integri-
folia-Cassiope tetragona
.......
1.0
1.0
N
0
SITE STAND :MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER 0
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE !!: 0 SLOPE ELEVATION (m)
f 5 74 Alpine Dryas meadow & 41 WNW 2 810
barren; D~yas integ~i-
folia integ~ifolia-C~ex
sai~poidea
Marshfork-Eastfork 5 75 Alpine dwarf shrub-lichen 26 SE 30 1530
I confluence 1 fellfield; Salix
~etiaulata ~etiaulata/
C~ex maa~oahaeta/Rhaaomi-
t~ium lanuginosum
5 76 Low birch shrub; Betula 57 SSE 20 1310
nana exilis-Vaaainium
uliginosum alpinum
Cache Creek 6 77 Bearberry-herb w/open 36 sw 2 490
balsam poplar;
A~atostaphylos ~b~a-
Py~ola ~otundifolia
g~andiflo~a
6 78 Low birch shrub; Betula 40 sw 2 490
nana exilis/Hyloaomium
splendens
6 79 Riparian willow shrub; 28 sw 2 500
Salix alaxensis ala$en-
i sis/Hyloaomium splendens
!
I Ivishak Riveir 5 80 Riparian willow shrub; 21 sw 1 720 I
! Salix alaxensis alaxensis/
Hyloaomium splendens
5 81 Alpine Dryas meadow & 41 NW 9 760
· barren; D~yas inte~ifolia
integ~ifolia/Rhytidium
~go sum
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION 1YPES NUMBER
AREA NUMBER· NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES
5 82 Alpine heath-Dryas 29
meadow; Dryas
integrifoZia integrifoZia
-Cassiope tetragona
5 83 Alpine sedge meadows 39
(strangmoors); Carex
membranaaea-AratostaphyZos
rubra/Tomenthypnum nitens
5 84 Alpine Dryas meadow & 48
barren; Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia/Rhytidium
rugosum
Cane Creek Pass 5 85 Alpine sedge meadow 37
II (strangmoors); Dryas
integrifoZia integrifoZia/
Tomenthypnum nitens w/
Carex
5 86 Alpine Dryas meadow & 38
barren; Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia/Rhytidium
rugosum
5 87 Alpine Dryas meadow & 33
barren; Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia-SiZene aaauZis
aaauZis
5 88 Riparian willow shrub; 35
Arctostaphylos rubra-PyroZa
rotundifoZia grandifZora
w/SaZix aZaxensis aZaxensis
EXPOSURE %
WNW
SSE
sw
w
s
sw
NW
SLOPE
11
33
20
6
35
7
3
ELEVATION (m)
780
840
820
1400
1360
1040
1040
N
0
J--1
N
0
SITE STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER N
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES EXPOSURE % SLOPE E_LEVATION (m2
Cane Creek 4 89 Alpine heath-Dryas meadow; 48 N 10 920
Dryas integrifoZia integri-
foZia-Cassiope tetragona
4 90 Alpine sedge meadow 46 NNE 9 900
(strangmoors); Carex
membranaaea-AratostaphyZos
rubra/Tomenthypnum nitens
4 91 Alpine Dryas meadow & 49 NNE 10 900
barren; Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia-SiZene aaauZis
aaauUs
4 92 Alpine Dryas meadow & 45 NNE 1 880
barren; Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia/Rhytidium
rugosum
4 93 Subalpine Dryas shrub; 52 NNW 0 870
Dryas integrifoZia
integrifoZia-Cassiope
tetragona
4 94 Low & dwarf willow shrub 45 NNW 22 1100
tundra; SaZix retiauZata
retiauZata/HyZoaomium
spZendens
4 95 Alpine heath-Dryas meadow; 53 NNE 18 1080
Dryas integrifoZia integri-
foZia/Rhytidium rugosum w/
Cassiope tetragona
SITE ' STAND MAJOR VEGETATION TYPES NUMBER
AREA NUMBER NUMBER AND ASSOCIATIONS OF SPECIES
Chandalar Riveli 4 96 White spruce forest (wood-41
land terrace); Piaea
gZauaa/HyZoaomium spZendens
4 97 Alpine-Dryas sedge meadows; 37
DPyas integPifoZia integPi-
foZia/Tomenthypnum nitens
4 98 Low & dwarf willow shrub 34
tundra; Salix PetiauZata
PetiauZata-CaPex vaginata/
HyZoaomium spZendens-
Tomenthypnum nitens
4 99 Subalpine Dryas shrub; 49
DPyas integPifoZia integPi-
foZia-CaPex bigeZowii
EXPOSURE % SLOPE
NW 6
N 3
N 4
WNW 5
ELEVATION
790
790
800
810
(m)
N
0
(.N
I
I
I
I
I Tree and shrub structure (density/Ha by size class) of stands in the various physiographic provinces and divisions. only N tppendix 4 Stands 0
!
with trees and shrubs over 1 m are listed. Average density of 1 Hectare= 2.47 acres and DBH.= diameter breast height. -1=>-
I
Sprubs &
ski! lings Tall shrubs & Trees
t) m tall-DBH{cm2 Total % Avg. Avg. Avg. Max. Practical
Stand S!!ecies i 2.5 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 DensitJ!:LHa Coml!osition Height{m} DBH{cm} Age Age Stand Age
I
I WESTERN PORCUPINE PLATEAU
2 wS J 40 360 320 120 80 40 960 100.0 5.5 ll.3 100 191 162
I
4 wS ~360 600 520 120 360 120 3080 61.6 5.6 10.2 83.3 156 130
A I 600 120 720 14.4 4.5 2.2 58 72
dB 1 800 80 880 17.6 0.4 1.7 45+ 45+
w i 240 240 4.8 1.0
wB I -40 40 80 1.6 7.7 107+ 107+
6 wS ! -72 72 1.4 1.6 4.0 42.3 48 .71
wB i 2 ;~6 762 108 3124 58.9 3.2 3.1 56.5 74
dB 760 14.3 2.5 1.5
A I 144 144 2.7 2.1 1.6 18.5 22
Sg i1092 108 1200 22.6 1.5 1.5 18.5 20
Bo I 68+ 68+
i
7 wS lu2o 440 400 40 2200 100.0 3.7 5.7 143 241 233
8 wS 720 720 90.0 2 1.0 86.8 220 152
A 80 80 10.0 1.6 1.6 31 34 w 13 15
9 wS 200 280 440 40 960 13.3 7.2 7.9 75.6* 135* 112
wB 40 360 2600 200 3200 44.2 7.6 9.7 99.8 115
A 760 1160 1920 26:5 4.6 3.9 43.6 45 w 560 520 80 ll60 16.0 5.9 4.7 49.5 59
10 wS 280 120 400 7.9 4.0 2.9 46.6 54 100
wB 120 1040 160 1320 26.2 7.9 10.8 83.3 109
A 960 40 2440 48.4 4.2 3.4 61* 81
Sa 680 200 880 17.5 3.0 2.4 38+ 38+
13 wS 40 200 40 80 200 80 80 40 80 760 86.4 22.1 26.2 143.9* 166 164 w 120 120 13.6 2.0
14 wS 520 520 280 120 160 40 1640 38.0 14.0 9.6 33.7 41 56 w 1160 520 80 1760 40.7 3.9 3.3 34.5 44
bPo 40 360 40 440 10.2 4.8 21.5 45.3 67
A 240 120 40 80 480 11.1 9.6
Total % Avg. Avg. Avg. Max. Practical
Stand SJ1ecies lm-2!.5 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 DensitylHa Coml!osition Height(ml DBH{cm} Age Age Stand A~
SOUTHERN BROOKS FOOTHILLS
23 w 280 280 7.2 .6 1.0 23.5 30 29
dB 22\80 2280 58.8 .7 1.0 20.3 36
Sg 1~0 1320 34.0 1.4 1.0 14.8 19
25 Sa ~0 840 84.0 1.0 1.0 21.5 26 26
dB ~0 80 8.0 1.0 1.0 21.5 26
Sg 80 80 8.0 1.0 1.0 20.5 26
' I
26 wS 40 40 80 40 40 240 12.5 8.0 16.6 125.9* 242+* • 181
dB uko 1120 58.3 1.5 1.0 36.0 39
Sg 56o 560 29.2 2.5 1.0 27.0 32
I ARCTIC FOOTHILLS
50 w z.8o 80 80 440 16.4 7.5 86
bPo t6o 800 280 40 1280 47.8 8.8 11.6 65.1 96
Sa Z8o 280 10.4 1.4 1.4 44.0 48
Sg ~80 680 25.4 .5 1.2
I
51 Sa 2~0 2080 80 5080 58.0 2.2 3.3 32.0 52 46
Sg 36bo 80 3680 42.0 1.2 1.4 19.6 24
! BROOKS RANGE -FRANKLIN MTN. SECTION
63 Sa 21bo 1240 80 3480 46.0 3.9 3.3 31.0 42 44
Sp 2~60 1720 560 4080 54.0 4.5 3.3 37.8 46
I
66 Sa 42!~0 560 4800 6,:.8 1.9 1.9 32.0 32 28
Sp 56o 40 600 1.9 1.8
w 21zo 2120 28.2 1.0
I
67 Sa ~0 320 80 440 100.0 2.1 5.4 23.2 42 34
I
1~4 BROOKS RANGE -SHUBLIK MOUNTAINS
77 Sa 144 12.4 1.4 1.0 22.6* 29 100
bPo 1.09 37 433 109 74 109 145 1016 87.6 6.6 16.8 78.3 145*
i
' 120 78 Sa 480 600 26.8 2.4 32.0* 40 39
Sp 16L.o 1640 73.2 1.2 30.2 29
dB 1-17.8
80 Sa 4J.o 1940 6580 93.5 2.7 16
Sp z4o 220 460 6.5 2.9
BROOKS RANGE -FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS
88 Sa 18.0 33 32
Sg 36.0 75
Sp 13.0 16 s 13.0 14
93 wS 160 200 360 52.9 6.5 5.8 133.7* 286* 260
dB 80 80 11.8 1.0
Sp z4o 240 35.3 1.3
i
96 wS ~!g 800 480 160 40 40 40 2480 75.6 7.3 8.8 98.3 193 98
Sg 160 800 24.4 2.7 14.8 25
I
I
N
0
V1
Stand Seecies lm-2.-s -5 -10 -15 -20 -25
. I
98 wS I 80 40 120 40 40 I bPo
.,b1ig
720 400 80
Sa 4280 40
Sp 1126 920
i
99 wS I 40 160 40
Sg I .56o-
I
I
I ARCTIC COASTAL PLAIN -WEIR CREEK
58 Sa bo6 1373 41
Sg :ss12 3288 180
Total %
-30 -35 -40 -45 Density/Ha Com11osition
320 2.9
1240 11.2
7480 67.5
2040 18.4
240 30.0
560 70.0
3720 23.6
12040 76.4
TREES SPECIES LEGEND: wS = white spru·ce (Picea glauca)
A = Alder (Alnus crisEa)
Avg. Avg.
Height !ml DBG!cml
12.2
7.7
3.7
3.3
4.9
1.0
2.3 3.3
1.6 2.8
dB= dwarf birch (Betula galndulosa & ~. ~ ssp. exilis)
W = willow (Salix ssp.)
Sg = willow (Salix glauca)
Sa = willow (Salix JLlaxensis)
Sp = willow (Salix planifolia ulchra
Bo = shrub birch (Betula occidentalis
bPo = balsam poplar (PoEulus balsamifera)
Sc = soapberry (Sheperdia canadensis)
NOTE: * = Estimated with heart rot
+ = Only 1 sample
N
0
0\
Avg. Max. Practical
Age Age Stand Age
45
45.0* 45
146.0* 267 250