The Boreal Ecosystem Recovery Assessment (BERA) seeks to understand how such disturbances, including seismic lines, influence the recovery of boreal landscapes. One such metric is the effect on the hydrologic dynamics. This research examines how seismic lines alter hydrology and soil properties, focusing on water table fluctuations, soil compaction, and snow accumulation. Measurements taken at two sites south of Fort McMurray show that seismic lines increase soil compaction, reduce water infiltration, and cause greater variability in water table levels. The effects of these changes depend on topography and the orientation of seismic lines. For example, wider East–West-oriented lines accumulate more snow compared to adjacent areas, affecting moisture availability in spring.
