2.3 Aulavik Landscapes

Management Plan

2.3 Aulavik Landscapes

Landscapes in the park are diverse, ranging from low, undulating hills to butte upland areas. The main characteristic of Aulavik is the mixture of lush, sedge meadows and polar desert areas which support little or no plant growth. This is the result of very low annual precipitation and a sixty day growing season. Areas of abundant plant growth are limited to valleys and areas near lakes where extra water is available.

The Thomsen River, noted as the northernmost navigable inland waterway in Canada, is a major feature of the park, entering the south end of the park near its headwaters, and flowing through the park to the coast at the north end of the park. The Thomsen has a broad, relatively lush valley, flanked by gently undulating hills. Its major tributary is the Muskox River which flows in from an area of poorly drained wetlands and peat polygons.

Along the northwest coast of the park, sheer cliffs rise over eighty metres from the waters of M'Clure Strait. The central portion of the northern coastline is dominated by Castel Bay and Mercy Bay, which cut inland 15 km. To the south east of Mercy Bay, steep canyons dominate the landscape. Further south a sparsely vegetated, upland plateau rises 450 metres above sea level, and forms the height of land between the Thomsen River and the Prince of Wales Strait. West of Castel Bay, arid, desert-like badlands predominate.