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Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Continuous Hydrologic and Water Quality Monitoring of Vernal Ponds
Published on: November 13, 2017
Community-based nearshore wave and water level monitoring in Nunavut, Arctic Canada 2021-2023
David Didier1,2, Faten Zouaghi3, Stéphanie Coulombe4
1Northern and Arctic Coastal Research Lab, Center for Northern Studies, Québec-Océan, Département de biologie, chimie et géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada. david_didier@uqar.ca.
Abstract:
The Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) lies within Inuit Nunangat, the homeland of the Inuit, and encompasses extensive coasts of Nunavut. These shorelines are continuously changing, shaped by sea ice, glaciers, icebergs, permafrost, and oceanographic dynamics during the open-water season. Inuit knowledge offers profound insights into coastal change; however, systematic measurements of ocean waves and water levels remain scarce, which limits our ability to model nearshore processes and anticipate shoreline responses, both critical for adaptation. We present a dataset of water levels and wave statistics collected between 2021 and 2023 in partnership with three communities: Ausuittuq (Jones Sound), Canada's northernmost community; Ikaluktutiak and Kugluktuk (both in Coronation Gulf). The dataset includes 19 calibrated pressure sensors in the nearshore zone and 6 offshore wave buoys deployed with Inuit boat operators, capturing more than 427 days of hourly observations. Observed conditions include significant wave heights up to 1.7 m and peak wave periods up to 6.0 s. All files are published in open formats with structured documentation to ensure transparency, accessibility, and reuse.

