Minerotrophic fen in Adventdalen, Svalbard dominated by the moss species Bryum chryophyllum. By Lennart Nilsen.
Bryophytes, i.e. mosses and liverworts, dominate the vegetation in wide areas of the Arctic. Especially on Svalbard where dwarf shrubs are scarce, they form a dominant component of the vegetation. With current climate warming ongoing on Svalbard, we expect shifts in vegetation, from moss-dominated to vascular plant-dominated communities as well as species shifts within these groups, in concurrence with studies in other parts in the Arctic. However, as yet we have little knowledge on how the different plant communities on Svalbard affect permafrost beneath them.
Project description
The aim of this project is to investigate to which extent bryophyte-dominated communities insulate the ground better than communities dominated by vascular plants.
Tasks
The student will join an on-going MSc project. You will assist with field work. Depending on when you join, this can entail measuring active layer depth and soil moisture and temperature, taking part in vegetation recording and polar bear watch. There might also be a need for entering data after the field work is finished.
The project involves: Fieldwork
Starting date/period: possible from June 30th – Sep 30th
Experience/skills to be acquired:
The student will gain some knowledge on plant and bryophyte species as well as how to conduct simple abiotic measurements in the field. The student will also learn how to operate in a high Arctic environment where polar bears can be present
Involvement:
Flexible (max 40h). It is recommended to work at least 7 h/day when being in the field
Interested by this project? Need more info? Contact
Simone Lang
simone.lang@unis.no
Project number: 3