Footsteps

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:

A researcher wearing a blue jacket holds a notebook and looks at an object laying on the grass and low vegetation, snowy mountains of Svalbard are visible in the backgroundProject 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

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