Development of a small peatland linked to slope dynamics at Wiyasakami Lake (Nunavik)

Lac lEau-Claire (Wiyasakami in Cree) has a diameter of approximately 30 km and contains an inner ring of islands. The largest of these include Lepage, Aux Foreurs and Atkinson islands. The north-facing slopes of these islands display extensive gravity processes. A recent geomorphological study investigated a slope on Lepage island (Caribou slope) (Decaulne et al. Submitted). Debris-flow landforms are visible downslope and a small peatland is located close to the beach about 2 km from the slope. The peatland receives runoff directly from Caribou slope and its catchment. This study reveals that the slope has been exposed to gravity processes since the deglaciation of the region at approximately 6000 yr BP. It has also been shown that present-day processes remain active (to a limited extent) and there is a constant redistribution of debris over the talus. The objective of our study was to detect evidence of gravity processes in the peatland since its establishment and to connect the periods of intense slope activities with climate patterns or weather conditions.