Out in the field Options

[Robert_Oddo]

We spent the morning in the classroom learning about the geology of Svalbard. This archelpeligo is special in that it has drifted in geologic time from the Antarctic through tropical areas to its present position. How do we know this? We have rocks from many different time periods that provide evidence that this land mass has drifted. There are fossils from plants, invertebrates and even dinosaurs found on this island. Most of these organisms could have never survived the harsh climate present today. So did the climate change or has this landmass moved. Probably both. There are also seams of coal on this island that is mined and exported to other countries.

The afternoon we spent in the field looking at some long term studies that the folks at UNIS(University Centre in Svalbard) are doing.


Dr. Steve Roof (REU Svalbard), Dr. Mike Retelle(REU Svalbard) and Dr. Hanne Christiansen pointing out various geologic features on the map and in the field.

We examined the depth of the permafrost in various plots which are monitored over the long term. Permafrost depths in this area vary from 80-90 cm.


Measuring permafrost depths

This information collected here will help us understand what impact global climate change may be having. We also looked at core holes where data loggers recorded the temperature at different depths in the soil.


Dr. H Christiansen showing us the data loggers in the core hole

As I am writing this on Friday, July 15th at 11:25pm, it is about 33 degrees F outside overcast with rain mixed with snow. It is still very light outside. Actually the sun will never set the whole time I will be here in Svalbard. This is a bit hard to adjust to at first. And for the first couple days, I slept very little. But little by little you get used to it. Tomorrow we will go up to the glaciers for the first time!!!!!