Research question
How does human trampling affect plant growth and community composition, CO2 exchange, permafrost thaw and soil density in various ecosystems in Adventdalen & Endalen?
Project description:
Project content: help with field measurements (ndvi, soil moisture, vegetation composition/height/leaf area, permafrost thaw depth, soil temperature, soil sampling and co2-flux measurements).
Purpose: provide an impact assessment of trampling effects, their dependence on site conditions (e.g. plant community, soil type and wetness) and provide a basis for best practices for scientists working in the field, the guiding community and hikers.
The project involves:
Fieldwork (vegetation & soil)
Starting date/period:
May 28, 2025 – Jun 30, 2025
Involvement
Occasional support during fieldwork for 4-8 hrs once or twice a week. Weeks are planned on monday morning meetings (10am).
Experience
Must have BSc level experience with terrestrial fieldwork on Svalbard, HSE briefing for our project and polar bear safety training.
Prerequisites
– mandatory safety trainings as listed in the unisprouts contract
– ability to carry light to medium weight equipment
– ability to help with observations of the surroundings during fieldwork
Interested in this project or need more info? Contact: Rúna Magnússon (runa.magnusson@wur.nl)
Project number: 39