Home / Environment / Arctic Expedition Measures Permafrost Thaw on Novaya Zemlya
Arctic Expedition Measures Permafrost Thaw on Novaya Zemlya
16 Jul
Summary
- Expedition began onshore work in Russkaya Harbor, Novaya Zemlya
- Scientists measure seasonal thaw depth for permafrost monitoring
- Expedition ahead of schedule in oceanographic work near Franz Josef Land
The Arctic Floating University expedition, which departed Arkhangelsk on July 9th, has begun its onshore research activities on Novaya Zemlya. On the evening of July 15th, the expedition team went ashore for the first time in Russkaya Harbor on Novaya Zemlya's Severny Island.
In Russkaya Harbor, the expedition's experts from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute will measure the thickness of the seasonally thawed soil layer, which is an important data point for the state permafrost monitoring system. This is the first time such measurements have been taken in this region. The results will help determine how representative the existing permafrost data from nearby locations is.
Alongside the permafrost research, the expedition's six scientific groups are conducting a range of other studies in Russkaya Harbor. Ornithologists will count and band birds on Bogatyi Island, microbiologists will collect samples for bacteria and virus analysis, and a marine waste study group will collect plastic waste data. Radiological studies, as well as sampling for heavy metals and other pollutants, are also planned.
Meanwhile, the expedition's oceanographic work near Franz Josef Land is progressing ahead of schedule, with the team completing their planned section measurements between Northbrook Island and Russkaya Harbor about six hours faster than expected due to calm weather conditions.
