Abstract
A study of sedimentary processes and sediment yields in a high arctic meromictic lake (Lake C2, Taconite Inlet, northern Ellesmere Island, Canada) was undertaken from May 1990 through August 1992 to understand the links between climatic controls, hydrology, and the laminated sediment record preserved in the lake in order to interpret the climatic significance of the laminated sediment record.
Sediment transport to the lake is dominated by fluvial processes. During the early part of the melt season slushflows transport sediment to the lake surface. Subsequently, suspended sediment is transported from the plume source of the main inlet stream. Due to strong density stratification of the water column the plume distributes sediment downlake by overflows and interflows in the epilimnion. In general, overflows were generated in lower discharge events whereas interflows penetrated to the halocline during high discharge with increased suspended sediment concentration.
Sediment trap analysis demonstrates suspended sediment transport and deposition responds to diurnal through annual changes in stream discharge. Seasonal and annual sediment trap yields agree with average accumulation rates determined from varve thickness measurements and cumulative suspended sediment discharge from the main inlet stream indicating a close link between climatological, hydrological, and sedimentological controls and varve deposition.