The chemistry, mineralogy, and rates of transport of sediments in the ...

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11 . The increase in the rate of supply of sediments and other particulate
elements to streams and rivers caused by technological disturbances and deforestation
of the watershed will likely be proportional to the land area of
terrain disturbance and deforestation .
12 . Small watershed streams will suffer proportionately greater sediment
supply-increments from a given terrain disturbance, compared to larger
rivers . This is because a larger proportion of a small stream's watershed
will be disturbed, compared to the same disturbance in a large watershed .
13 . Computed sedimentation rates for suspended sediment,_ particulate C,
N, and P in the Mackenzie Delta and deltaic regions of the Beaufort Sea
agree well with bottom sediment analyses . This indicates that there is
little or no alteration of Mackenzie and Peel River sediments upon deposition
in the Delta, with respect to C, N and P .
14 . More discharge, suspended sediment, and meteorological stations are
required in the Mackenzie Valley and northern Yukon to improve descriptive
and predictive studies on sediments, sedimentation, and their effects on
stream substrates and stream biology . This is particularly true for smaller
watersheds .
15 . Experimental research watersheds in representative regions of the
Mackenzie Valley . and northern Yukon should be established, instrumented,
and monitored to obtain control and disturbance-related changes in the
watershed ecosystem . Experimental research watersheds should also be used
to test hypotheses on the effects of terrain disturbances in a scientific
and a controlled manner . These experimental research watersheds should be
maintained for the duration of major technological developments, in the
Mackenzie Valley and northern Yukon .
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