In 2005, vegetation survey of 2m x 2m quadrats at 10 m, 20 m and 40 m from the gully edge along 4 transects perpendiculars to the main gully were made.
In 2009-2010, sampling sites were selected on each side of three gullies located east of Bylot Island base camp. Sampling sites were categorized as Wet polygons (n = 62), Drained polygons (n = 44), Dried polygons (n = 43), Mesic polygon rims (n= 35), Mesic zones (n = 13) and Sediment zones (n = 15), for a total of 212 polygons. Within each selected polygon a species list was compiled and the vegetation abundance was evaluated with a cover abundance scale in one 70cm x 70cm quadrat. In addition, this quadrat and two others were photographed vertically to evaluate the vegetation cover visually on the digital photographs. The center of all the polygons was geo-referenced with GPS to know the distribution of sampled polygons. The depth of the active layer and the soil moisture were also measured.
In 2011, detailed analyses of a high resolution satellite image were realized to evaluate the consequences of gully formation on wetlands. In 2012 and 2013, 31 vegetation transects were sampled across and near the gully (main axis and secondary axes). General and detailed pictures were taken for each one illustrating the various sections and associated vegetation.
In 2013, the micro-topography of each transect was measured using the VX Spatial Station. The active layer depth, soil moisture and temperature (at 5 and 10 cm depth) were sampled between July 15th to 22th.
When necessary for identification, plant voucher specimens were collected and are kept at the Estelle-Lacoursière herbarium, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières.