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8. Biophysical Mapping
Example of biophysical classification of the
landscape. Surficial geology is labelled in white;
associated ecosystem units are labelled in green.
Panya Lipovsky
Yukon Geological Survey
Biophysical or ecosystem mapping is built on the principle that vegetation composition and distribution responds in predictable ways to specific abiotic terrain conditions. Surficial geology (terrain) mapping and subsequent stratification into ecosystem units forms the basis for biophysical mapping, thereby integrating both terrain conditions (surficial material type, slope, landscape position, drainage and permafrost conditions) and ecological factors (vegetation community and structure, and soil moisture and nutrient regimes).
A local-scale (1:50 000) biophysical mapping pilot project was carried out in the Watson Lake area (NTS 105A/2) during 2004 in cooperation with Yukon Environment, Yukon Geological Survey and Cryogeographic Consulting. The Watson Lake area was selected because of imminent resource activities in southeast Yukon. The biophysical map can be applied to a number of multi-agency integrated resource management and land-use planning activities in the area, including road, rail, and pipeline corridor planning and permitting processes; forest management planning; oil and gas dispositions; cumulative effects management; wildlife habitat management; conservation; First Nations lands management; geotechnical assessments; and mineral exploration.
The report, maps and accompanying digital GIS data are publicly available to support future stewardship, integrated resource management, land use planning and sustainable development in the Watson Lake area.
See this recent Poster 
2.2 MB
Download the report 3.7 MB, the surficial geology map 2.4 MB, or the biophysical map 9 MB