CV

Dr. Fabrice Calmels

Research Chair
YukonU Research Centre
500 University Drive, PO Box 2799
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 5K4 Canada
t. 867.456.8594 f. 867.456.8672
e.-m. fcalmels@yukonu.ca 

In a nutshell

 Dr. Calmels works on impact of permafrost thaw on landscapes, communities and their traditional land, and linear infrastructures. Since 2000, Fabrice has studied permafrost in Nunavik, Yukon, and Northwest Territories, and gained expertise from researches that he has carried along airports and roads, as well as in communities. He pioneered CT Scan methods applied to permafrost with Prs. Allard and Froese. He is expert in surveying using a wide range of techniques including core sampling and analyses, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), ground penetrating radar (GPR), ground temperature and snow monitoring. Dr. Calmels notably broke new research ground by studying the impact of permafrost thaw on the food security of Jean Marie River First Nation, NWT, as survey that can serve as a template for the proposed research activities in the Canadian Arctic. He has developed the Permafrost Research Laboratory at Yukon Research Centre, which serves for his work, and provide strong technical and logistical support to his collaborators.

Relevant Research Contributions

Recent Research Projects as Principal Investigator:

Active Projects:

  • Mai 2019-March 2022:  Supporting humans in a thawing landscape
    Funding: $360,000 Arctic Net; $25,000 per NI per Year for 3 years.
    Network Investigators: Michel Allard , Laval University; Duane Froese, University of Alberta, Pascale Roy-Léveillée, Laurentian University.
  • April 2019 – March 2021: Design and Implementation of early detection and warning systems for transportation infrastructure impacted by permafrost-related geohazards
    Funding: $368,135 Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative (NTAI) – TC
    Collaboration: Laval University, University of Montréal, Community of Salluit, Yukon Highways and Public Works
  • June 2019 – March 2021:Assessment and monitoring of a new retrogressive thaw slump at km 1456 of the Alaska Highway: A rare opportunity
    Funding: $50,000 Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative (NTAI) – TC
    Collaboration: Yukon Geological Survey, Yukon Highways and Public Works
  • April 2018 – March 2021: Permafrost Vulnerability Mapping – km 65 to km 200 Dempster Highway
    Funding: $150,000 INAC Funding through Climate Change Secretariat, Government of Yukon
    Collaboration: Yukon Highways and Public Works (YHPW)
  • April 2017 – March 2021: Greater Whitehorse permafrost characterization, monitoring and climate change analysis
    Funding: $243,176 INAC Funding through Climate Change Secretariat, Government of Yukon
    Collaboration: Yukon Geological Survey
  • Mai 2019- March 2022: Characterizing permafrost vulnerability to climate change induced thaw in the traditional territory of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN), YT
    Funding: $317,700 CCPN (CIRINAC) + $56,000 in-kind contributions from YRC and CAFN.
    Collaboration: Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN)
  • April 2017 – March 2020: Mapping Permafrost Vulnerability in Vuntut Gwitchin Traditional Territory: Climate Change impacts on Landscapes and Hydrology
    Funding: $480,600 Polar Knowledge Canada, Northern Science and Technology Program
    Collaboration: Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

Finished projects:

  • December 2017 – March 2019: Permafrost mapping and food security vulnerability assessment in the Jean Marie River First Nation Lands (3rd year)
    Funding: $123,973 INAC
    Collaboration: Jean Marie River First Nation, Watertight Solutions
  • October 2016 – March 2018: ERT and Temperature Monitoring to Assess the Effectiveness of Insulating Culverts
    Funding: $21,854 Transport Canada
    Collaboration: Yukon Highways and Public Works (YHPW), Geological Survey of Canada 
  • August 2016 – March 2018: Development of a Climate-Resilient Functional Plan for Dempster Highway
    Funding: $395,549 YHPW
    Collaboration: Yukon Highways and Public Works (YHPW), Associated Engineering Alberta Ltd. 
  • June 2016 – March 2018: Investigating the origin of Sink holes at km82 and 103 of the Dempster Highway
    Funding: $75,955 YHPW
    Collaboration: Yukon Highways and Public Works 
  • June 2015 – March 2016: Vulnerability of the north Alaska Highway to permafrost thaw: Design options and climate change adaptation
    Funding: $213,973 AANDC cash + $10,000 in-kind
    Collaboration: Highway and Public Works, Yukon; Pr. Guy Doré, Laval University, Québec. 
  • Spring – Summer 2014 – Assessment of recent past and current permafrost conditions under front street, Dawson city, Yukon
    Funding: $17,564 Transport Canada
    Collaboration: Highway and Public Works Yukon 
  • Fall 2014 – Winter 2015: Assessment of permafrost response to climate warming for Yukon transportation infrastructure – Alaska Highway and Mayo, YT
    Funding: $64,248 YHPW
    Collaboration: Highway and Public Works Yukon  
  • Fall 2013 – Winter 2014: Dempster Highway Permafrost Assessment, YT.
    Funding: $75,500 YHPW
    Collaboration: Highway and Public Works Yukon  
  • Fall 2013 – Fall 2015: Risk Assessment of Infrastructure Impacted by Permafrost Degradation in Ross River, YT
    Funding: $186,499 NRCan and $215,046 partner in-kind
    Collaboration: Yukon Government’s Property Management Division (PMD), Natural Resources Canada  
  • June 2013 – March 2014: Food Security Vulnerability Assessment Related to Permafrost Degradation in the Jean Marie River First Nation, NWT (2nd year)
    Role: Permafrost expert, Consultant
    Funding: $135,471.80 AANDC
    Collaboration: Jean Marie River First Nation, Watertight Solutions 
  • Fall 2013 – Winter 2014 – Dettah Permafrost Mapping Project: Mapping permafrost sensitivity in Dettah area, NWT.
    Funding: $40,000 Yellowknives Dene First Nation
    Collaboration: Cyrielle Laurent (GIS specialist, consultant) 
  • July 2012 – March 2015: Assessment of the impact of the global warming on the Alaska Highway, YT.
    Funding: $395,727 AANDC cash + $129,600 partner in-kind
    Collaboration: Highway and Public Works, Yukon. 
  • June 2012 – March 2013: Permafrost Vulnerability Assessment and Landscape Changes Related to Climate Change in the Jean Marie River First Nation (1st year)
    Role: Permafrost expert, Consultant
    Funding: $165,000 Health Canada + $20,000 AANDC
    Collaboration: Jean Marie River First Nation, Watertight Solutions

Refereed contributions

Calmels, F., Laurent, C., and Ireland, M. Food security vulnerability assessment related to permafrost degradation in the Jean Marie River First Nation traditional territory, NWT, Canada. In review (AS-2018-0015).

Kong, X., Doré, G., and Calmels, F. Thermal modeling of heat balance through embankments in permafrost regions. Cold Regions Science and Technology. Accepted (CRST_2017_352).

Clavano, W., Calmels, F., and Froese, D.G. Quantitative processing of X-ray CT images of permafrost cores for cryostratigraphy: limitations and prospects. Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, accepted (PPP-11-0016).

Calmels, F., Froese D.G., and Clavano, W. 2012. Cryostratigraphic record of permafrost degradation and recovery following historic (1898-1992) surface disturbances in the Klondike region, central Yukon Territory. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 49(8): 938-952.

D’Costa, V.M., King, C.E., Kalan, L., Morar, M., Sung, W.W.L., Schwarz, C., Duane Froese, D., Zazula, G., Calmels, F., Debruyne, R., Golding, G.B., Poinar, H.N., and Wright, G.D. 2011. Antibiotic resistance is ancient. Nature, 477: 457-461.

Pissart, A., Calmels, F., and Wastiaux, C. 2011. The potential lateral growth of the lithalsas. Quaternary Research: 371-377.

Calmels, F., and Froese, D.G. 2009. Cryostratigraphic record of permafrost degradation and recovery following historic surface disturbances, Klondike area, Yukon. Yukon Exploration and Geology 2008: 85-97.

Calmels, F., Allard, M. and Delisle G. 2008. Development and decay of a lithalsa (Northern Québec): A geomorphological history. Geomorphology, 97: 287–299.

Calmels, F., Delisle G., and Allard, M. 2008. Internal structure and the thermal and hydrological regime of a typical lithalsa: significance for permafrost growth and decay. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 45: 31-43

Calmels, F. and Allard, M. 2008. A structural interpretation of the palsa/lithalsa growth mechanism through the use of CT Scanning. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 33: 209-225.

Fortier, R.; LeBlanc, A.-M.; Allard, M.; Buteau, S.; Calmels, F. 2008. Internal structure and conditions of permafrost mounds at Umiujaq in Nunavik, Canada, inferred from field investigation and electrical resistivity tomography. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 45: 367-387.

Cardyn, R., Clark, I..D., Lacelle, D., Lauriol, B., Zdanowicz, C. and Calmels, F. 2007. Molar gas ratios of air entrapped in ice: A new tool to determine the nature and origin of relict massive ground ice bodies in permafrost. Quaternary Research, 68: 239-248.

Calmels, F., Gagnon, O.; and Allard, M. 2005. A portable earth-drill system for permafrost studies. Permafrost and Periglacial Processes 16: 311-315.

Calmels, F., and Allard, M. 2004. Ice Segregation and Gas Distribution in Permafrost using Tomodensitometry Analysis. Permafrost and Periglac. Process. 15: 367-378.

Delisle, G., Allard, M.; Fortier, R.; Calmels; F. and Larrivée, É. 2003. Umiujaq, Northern Québec: Innovative Techniques to Monitor the Decay of a Lithalsa in Response to Climate Change. Permafrost and Periglac. Process. 14: 375-385.

Calmels, F., and Coutard, J.-P. 2000. Expérience sur la Mobilisation par Cryoreptation d’un Dépôt de Pente Schisteux, Grossier et Hétérométrique. Permafrost Periglac. Process. 11: 207-218.

Other refereed contributions

Calmels, F., Roy, L.-P., Laurent, C., Pelletier, M., Kinnear, L., Benkert, B., Horton, B., and Pumple, J. 2015. A practical guide to permafrost vulnerability for Yukon’s North Alaska Highway. GEOQuébec2014: 64th Canadian Geotechnical Conference & 7th Canadian Permafrost Conference, Sept. 20-23, 2015, Québec, Québec. Canadian Geotechnical Society.

Calmels, F., Laurent, C., Brown, R., Pivot, F., and Ireland, M. 2015. How permafrost thaw may impact food security of Jean Marie River First Nation, NWT. GEOQuébec2014: 64th Canadian Geotechnical Conference & 7th Canadian Permafrost Conference, Sept. 20-23, 2015, Québec, Québec. Canadian Geotechnical Society.

Calmels, F., Froese, D.G., and Clavano, W. 2010.  Dating recent permafrost disturbance and recovery with tritium and post-bomb radiocarbon isotopes.  GEO2010: 63rd Canadian Geotechnical Conference & 6th Canadian Permafrost Conference, Sept. 12-16, 2010, Calgary, Alberta. Canadian Geotechnical Society: 1533-1539.

Calmels, F., Clavano, W., and Froese, D.G. 2010.  Progress on X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning in permafrost studies. GEO2010: 63rd Canadian Geotechnical Conference & 6th Canadian Permafrost Conference, Sept. 12-16, 2010, Calgary, Alberta. Canadian Geotechnical Society: 1353-1358.

Non-refereed contributions

Calmels, F., Roy, L.P., Grandmont, K., and Pugh, R. 2018. ERT and Temperature Monitoring to Assess the Effectiveness of Insulating Culverts on Northern Highways. Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College, 39 p.

Calmels, F., Roy, L.P., Grandmont, K. and Pugh, R. 2018. A Summary of Climate- and Geohazard-Related Vulnerabilities for the Dempster Highway Corridor. Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College, 200 p.

Calmels, F., Roy, L.-P., Horton, B., Laurent, C., 2017. Investigation of Dempster Highway Sinkholes – km 82 and Two Moose Lake Northern Climate ExChange, Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College, 61 p.

Calmels, F., Doré, G., Kong, X., Roy, L.-P., Lemieux, C., Horton, B., 2016. Vulnerability of the north Alaska Highway to permafrost thaw: Design options and climate change adaptation. Northern Climate ExChange, Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College, 127p.

Calmels, F., Horton, B., Roy, L.-P., Lipovski, P., and Benkert, B. 2016. Assessment of risk to infrastructure from permafrost degradation and a changing climate, Ross River. Whitehorse, Yukon: Northern Climate ExChange, Yukon Research Centre. 88 p.

Calmels, F., Roy, L.-P. Laurent, C., Pelletier, M., Kinnear, L., Benkert, B., Horton, B., and Pumple, J. 2015.Vulnerability of the North Alaska Highway to permafrost thaw: a field guide and data synthesis. Whitehorse, Yukon: Northern Climate ExChange, Yukon Research Centre. 121 p.

Pelletier, M., Calmels, F. January 2015. Assessment of permafrost response to climate warming for Yukon transportation infrastructure – Soil Tests and Borehole Logs. Prepared for Highway and Public Works Yukon. 44 p.

Calmels, F., Benkert, B., and Horton, B. July 2014. Assessment of recent past and current permafrost conditions under Front Street, Dawson City, Yukon. Ottawa: Tranport Canada. 55p.

Calmels, F., and Laurent, C. March 2014. Dettah Permafrost Mapping Project. Prepared for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. 49 p. + 1 map.

Calmels, F. March 2014. Final Report: Dempster Highway Permafrost Assessment. Prepared for Highway and Public Works Yukon. 38p.

Jean Marie River First Nation, Calmels, F., Watertight Solutions, 2014. Food Security Vulnerability Assessment Related to Permafrost Degradation in the Jean Marie River First Nation. Ottawa: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. 90p.

Jean Marie River First Nation, Calmels, F., Watertight Solutions, PACTeam Canada, and Pivot, F., 2013. Permafrost Vulnerability Assessment and Landscape Changes Related to Climate Change in the Jean Marie River First Nation. Ottawa: Health Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. 111p.

Kennedy, K., Kinnear, L., Calmels, F., Bonaventure, P., Lewkowicz, L., Benkert, B., Hennessey, R. (lead authors). 2011. Mayo Landscape Hazards: Geological Mapping for Climate Change Adaptation Planning. Northern Climate Exchange, Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College, 64 p. and 2 maps.

Allard, M., Calmels, F., Fortier, D., Laurent, C., L’Hérault, M., and Vinet, F. 2007. Mapping of permafrost conditions in Nunavik communities with regard to adaptation to global warming. Laval University, Centre d’études nordiques, report to the office of the impacts end adaptation to climate changes climatiques, ressources naturelles Canada and Ouranos., 42 p.

Allard, M., Fortier, R., Sarrazin, D., Calmels, F., Fortier, D., Chaumont, D., Savard, J.P., and Tarussov, A. 2007. Impact of the global warming on the airports of Nunavik: permafrost characteristics and characterization of the degradation processes of the landing runaways. Laval University, Centre d’études nordiques, report to the government department of transports, Québec. 184 p.

Recent conferences and workshops

ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting 2017, December 11-15, Québec City Convention Centre, QC. One oral presentations.

ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting 2016, December 5-9, RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB. One oral presentations.

ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting 2015, December 7-11, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, BC. One oral presentations.

ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting 2014, December 8-12, Ottawa Convention Centre, Ottawa, ON. Two oral presentations.

EUCOP5, 5th European Conference on Permafrost, June 23-July 1st 2018, Chamonix, France. Two oral presentations.

EUCOP4, 4th European Conference on Permafrost, June 18-21 2014, Evora, Portugal. Two oral presentations.

5th Annual Workshop of the Canadian Permafrost Network of Expertise in Northern Transportation Infrastructure Research, June 4-6 2014, Dawson City, Yukon, Canada : one oral presentation.

Pan-Territorial Permafrost Workshop, November 5-7 2013, Yellowknife, NWT, Canada: two oral presentations.

CanQua 2013, Canadian Quaternary Association biannual meeting, August 18-21, 2013, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: one oral presentation.

Teaching

Fall 2014 Sessional lecturer GEOL 213 Introduction to Geophysics
Geological Technology program, Yukon College

Fall 2010 Undergraduate lecture on Permafrost in course EAS 225 Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta.

Fall 2008 Undergraduate lecture on Permafrost in course EAS 225 Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta.

Fall 2005 Sessional lecturer for undergraduate course: Analysis of Aerial Photography.
Department of Geography, Laval University of Laval.

November 1996 – August 1997 Teaching in schools and for the general public: Environmental Education.
Service National Actif : contingent « Environnement » (Environmental Military Service)
Ateliers Verts et Bleus de la Ville d’Ajaccio, National Education Ministry, France.

Other research and academic involvement

Membership on committees, boards, or policy-making bodies

2018-2021 Committee Member / course designer: FROZEN CANOES (Landscape and infrastructure dynamics of frozen environments undergoing climate change in Canada, Norway and Svalbard) research partnership. Funded by the Research Council of Norway. Course package for graduate student on geoscientific and engineering knowledge related to permafrost.

2015-2017 Standards Development Committee Member: Geotechnical Site Investigations for Building Foundations in Permafrost Zones. Developed by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) for Standards Council of Canada, as part of the Northern Infrastructure Standardization Initiative supported by the Government of Canada’s Clean Air Agenda.

2010-2011 Committee President: evaluation of proposals to the FQRNT Team Research Project Program, Committee 705B – Environnement-Sol/Air, Fonds Québécois de la Recherche sur la Nature et les Technologies (FQRNT).

March 2010 Reviewer: evaluation of proposals to the NSF Arctic System Science and Arctic Natural Sciences programs. National Science Foundation.

2009-2010 Committee member: evaluation of proposals to the FQRNT Team Research Project Program, Committee 606B – Environnement-Sol/Air, FQRNT.

Public awareness/education

I regularly provide interviews to print, radio, and TV media, as example my Alaska Highway projects were featured in the Scientific American of October 2014.

Awards and fellowships

March 2008 NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship 2008-2009 (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada): 40 000 $ / year during 2 years.

May 2007 FQRTN Postdoctoral Fellowship 2007-2008 (Fonds Québécois de la Recherche sur la Nature et les Technologies): 30 000 $ / year during 2 years.

July 2006 Prize for the best joint-supervised thesis 2006, jointly awarded by the Department of international relations (government of Québec), and the General Consulate of France (French government).

University involvement

2001-2002           President of ALEGG (Graduate Student Association in Geography), Laval University.

2003-2004           Vice-president of AGÉOFOR (Graduate Student Association of the faculty of Forestry, geography and geomatic), Laval University.

2003-2005           Member of the executive committee of ALEGG and AGÉOFOR, Laval University.