37 research outputs found
Project Chariot - Phase III: Progress Report
This is a preliminary report and is NOT FOR PUBLICATIONBotanical investigations of the Cape Thompson - Ogotoruk Creek
region of northwest Alaska were initiated in May, 1959 by the
University of Alaska under contract with the United States Atomic
Energy Commission (Contract No. AT (04 -3 ) - 310). The first
summer's field work was largely exploratory and descriptive in
nature and included a species inventory of the vascular plants,
mosses, and lichens; a qualitative description of the main vegetation
types in Ogotoruk Valley; and a preliminary mapping of the
vegetation types within the valley.
The results of the first summer's field work and winter visits have been partially reported in two reports: Ogotoruk Valley
Botanical Project, December, 1959 Report, and the Phase II Interim
Pinal Report, Ogotoruk Valley Botanical Project, June, 1960. For
brevity, these will be referred to as the December, 1959 Botanical
Report, and the June, 1960 Botanical Report. Materials reported
in these earlier reports will not be repeated in this December,
1960 report.
Botanical investigations were continued during the summer and
fall of 1960. The objectives of the 1960 field season were as
follows: 1. To measure the frequency, cover, and synthetic features
of the main vegetation types in Ogotoruk Valley.
2. To establish control vegetation plots in areas outside
the potential blast and fallout area and to extend our
understanding of the vegetation of the northwestern
Alaska Coast.
3. To complete records of species occurrence in the area
by continuing plant collections and identifications.
4. To revise and complete the vegetation map of the area.
5. To continue seed germination studies on certain species.
6. To commence palynological studies of bog and lacustrine
sediments.
7. To initiate studies on some of the ecological problems
in the Ogotoruk Valley area.
a. to understand the relationship between permafrost,
annual freezing-thawing cycles, and plant distribution.
b. to understand the inter-relationships of the activities
of the arctic ground squirrel and vegetation in
the valley.
Preliminary results of the 1960 field work and additional information
from the 1959 season are included in this report