The runway, built in 1958, is over-top of permafrost and frozen soils.
OBSERVATION: A sinkhole was found in the runway of the Inuvik Mike Zubko Airport on Tuesday September 24th, 2013. Inuvik is serviced by jets seven days a week. Before emergency repairs could be made, airlines had to switch to aircraft's that could land on a shortened runway. The runway, built in 1958, is over-top of permafrost and frozen soils. “The airfield was designed by Transport Canada to prevent or minimize thawing or the underlying frozen ground and consists of thick embankment of rock fill placed on the undisturbed ground surface.” (see NRCC Design Report)). It is believed that warmer temperatures in the region caused the permafrost to melt in this location. The runway has now been fixed. Jennie Knopp
