Physics 



M. C. Miller, R. T. Frentki and R. J. Barsdate 



GtOGRAPHY 



Description 



The IBP study ponds lie on the west side of the Footprint Creek 

 drainage system in an area of polygonal ground (Figures 3-1 and 2-3). 

 Their maximum depth is a little less than 40 cm and they are 

 approximately rectangular. The ponds occupy most of the area of the 

 polygon but it is difficult to define the boundaries of a pond exactly as the 

 whole of the polygon may be flooded at the time of the melt. Yet, after a 

 dry summer, only the central depression will retain water. In a normal 

 summer with some rainfall spread over the entire period, the flooded areas 

 include emergent sedges (out to a depth of 10 cm). This is the area called 

 "marsh" in Table 3-1 . An average pond is about 30 m on a side. 



History 



The IBP pond site occupies a drained lake basin which has probably 

 contained several lakes at different times (Brown et al. 1980). Remnants of 

 these lakes can still be seen on aerial photographs. It is difficult to date 



TABLE 3-1 Comparison of Pond Areas 



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