|
|
|
The mother bears are back! |
14.10.2011 |
|
|
 |
Polar bears
in Svalbard are reclaiming denning areas that were abandoned prior to their
complete protection in 1973.
>> more |
|
|
Phytoplankton bloom, visible from space |
03.10.2011 |
|
|
 |
Last
month’s phytoplankton bloom colored the surface of the Barents Sea
brilliantly blue and green.
>> more |
|
|
Rabies outbreak on Svalbard |
03.10.2011 |
|
|
 |
In
recent weeks several animals have been confirmed infected by rabies in
the immediate vicinity of Longyearbyen.
>> more |
|
|
Spineless arctic critters- where do they come from? |
03.10.2011 |
|
|
 |
This week
María Luisa Ávila Jiménez defended her PhD thesis on the role and origin of
Arctic invertebrates after the last glacial maximum in Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
Dip and strike |
30.09.2011 |
|
|
 |
This summer, thanks to financing from the Arctic Field Grant, PhD student
Kim Senger has measured the strike and dip of 2279 fractures in a
cliffside near Deltaneset. Find out how and why by reading his field
report.
>> more |
|
|
Working in the dark |
16.09.2011 |
|
|
 |
It is not long working hours in constant cold and darkness that stresses
workers in extreme places, it is conflicts and demands in the private life -
concludes a new doctoral thesis, investigating working conditions in,
amongst other places, the coal mine Svea Nord in Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
Seals and satellites |
16.09.2011 |
|
|
 |
In the past month several seals have been fitted with satellite transmitters
that will give new insight into their environment and daily life.
>> more |
|
|
Most whales caught since 2008 |
16.09.2011 |
|
|
 |
This year Norwegian whalers have caught 529 Minke Whales of a 1286 quota
(compared to 467 last year). 202 of these were taken near Svalbard. This is
the highest number since 2008.
>> more |
|
|
Aurora on your android |
16.09.2011 |
|
|
 |
Want to know if there is a chance for northern lights in the next hour? Here
is the app that can tell you!
>> more |
|
|
|
|
 |
The arctic might be warming slower than predicted thanks to a new
distribution of middle high clouds. A bit of a paradox that the climatic
effects of global warming actually helps slow down the heating.
>> more |
|
|
10th Ny-Ålesund Seminar: Extended deadline and TRAVEL GRANT for young scientists |
08.09.2011 |
|
|
 |
The abstract submission deadline for the 10th Ny-Ålesund seminar taking
place in Kjeller, near Oslo 25-26th of October 2011 has been extended to
September 18th. If you do or have done research in Ny-Ålesund in the past
years this seminar should not be missed!
>> more |
|
|
Freeze dried invertebrates |
06.09.2011 |
|
|
 |
A new study from Århus University investigates dehydrations as measure
against internal ice formation in several invertebrates from Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
Ptarmigans on treadmills |
06.09.2011 |
|
|
 |
A recently published paper investigating the speed and endurance of Svalbard
Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea) found that, on average, males can
run both longer and faster than females.
>> more |
|
|
Persistent Organic Pollutants on the move |
23.08.2011 |
|
|
 |
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) trapped in ice and water for decades
may be reentering the environment due to climatic changes.
>> more |
|
|
“Dirty” fungi and their intimate relationship to plants |
18.08.2011 |
|
|
 |
A new study by the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (Germany) investigates the
distribution of arctic-alpine plants and their accompanying fungal parasite,
the smut fungi Microbotryum silenes-acaulis.
>> more |
|
|
Tourism impacts on historical sites |
18.08.2011 |
|
|
 |
A new edition in the series “Circumpolar Studies” from The Arctic Centre of
the University of Groningen has been published. In his thesis author Ricardo
Roura examines the impact of tourism on historical sites in both polar
regions and the implications for management.
>> more |
|
|
Call for Proposals - INTERACT Transnational Access |
17.08.2011 |
|
|
 |
The International Network for Terrestrial Research and Monitoring in the
Arctic (INTERACT) announces a call for proposals for Winter Season 2011/2012
and Summer Season 2012. In Svalbard, the Sverdrup station in Ny-Ålesund is
part of INTERACT. Submission deadline: Wednesday, 31 August 2011.
>> more |
|
|
Visiting REU students investigate response to climate change |
15.08.2011 |
|
|
 |
This summer six U.S. students visited Svalbard as part of the five-week REU
program (Research Experience for Undergraduates) aiming to understand how
arctic glaciers, lakes and fjords respond to changes in the climate.
>> more |
|
|
New staff at SSF secretariat |
12.08.2011 |
|
|
 |
Svalbard Science Forum is currently expanding - 1st of August
Karoline Bælum joined SSF as a new fulltime staff member in Longyearbyen.
>> more |
|
|
Springtails - tales from the past |
09.08.2011 |
|
|
 |
A new study shows that significant events in the past, such as the last
glaciation and subsequent reintroduction of species, to a large degree
control the present day distribution of the 63 springtail species found on
Svalbard today.
>> more |
|
|
Arctic sea ice extend in July 2nd lowest on record |
08.08.2011 |
|
|
 |
The sea ice extend in the Arctic for the end of the summer season is some
areas expected to be on the scale of 2007 measurements, the lowest recorded
since the measurements started in 1979.
>> more |
|
|
New rules for renting firearms for polar bear protection |
08.08.2011 |
|
|
 |
The Governor of Svalbard has revised the regulations for firearm rentals. It
is now possible to rent rifles for a period of up to 6 months if the renter
has a permit to possess a firearm in his/her home country.
>> more |
|
|
Arctic Frontiers 2012 - Energies of the High North – call for papers |
25.07.2011 |
|
|
 |
Arctic Frontiers holds its 6th annual conference in Tromsø from
22-27 January 2012, Norway, with the title “Energies of the High North”.
Arctic Frontiers 2012 will discuss the global energy outlook, and assess the
potential of traditional and renewable energy resources in the North.
>> more |
|
|
Polarstern on quest to find out how the Arctic Ocean is changing |
04.07.2011 |
|
|
 |
The research vessel Polarstern of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and
Marine Research in the Helmholtz Association (AWI) has set off on its 26th
arctic expedition. Over 130 scientists from research institutions in six
countries will take part and investigate how oceanic currents as well as the
animal and plant world are changing between Spitsbergen and Greenland.
>> more |
|
|
New Ramsar areas in Svalbard |
01.07.2011 |
|
|
 |
Bjørnøya, Hopen, Sørkapp and Nordenskiöldkysten have been added to the list
of areas under the Ramsar
Convention on Wetlands. With that the number of Ramsar areas in Svalbard has
increased to nine.
>> more |
|
|
New bird species in Svalbard |
01.07.2011 |
|
|
 |
Researchers from the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) have observed breeding
Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus) on Bjørnøya. This new species
breeding in Svalbard indicates warmer climate in the North.
>> more |
|
|
Upgrade of the Ny-Ålesund geodetic observatory |
01.07.2011 |
|
|
 |
The Norwegian Mapping Authority (NMA) has prepared an Environmental Impact
Assessment for their plan to establish an antenna park with antennas and
control facility on Brandalsletta, Ny-Ålesund. This document is now out for
hearing. Deadline for comments is 10 September 2011.
>> more |
|
|
10th Ny-Ålesund Seminar will be held in Kjeller, Norway in October 2011 |
10.06.2011 |
|
|
 |
The seminar will bring together scientists who have Ny-Ålesund as a base for
their research. The aim is to exchange experience and share advancements
from research and monitoring activities in the Arctic.
>> more |
|
|
Who is being preyed on by Greenland sharks? |
10.06.2011 |
|
|
 |
Lisa-Marie Leclerc just finished her Master thesis at the University in
Tromsø on the feeding ecology of Greenland sharks caught in Kongsfjorden.
She concludes that shark species may be a significant source of seal
mortality.
>> more |
|
|
Follow eight brent geese on their migration routes |
10.06.2011 |
|
|
 |
The Brenttags project has mounted satellite senders on eight Svalbard Brent
Geese. You can follow their movements in a blog.
>> more |
|
|
New management plan for East Svalbard - call for
comments |
16.05.2011 |
|
|
 |
The Governor of Svalbard has been working on a document presenting a new
management plan for the Eastern Svalbard nature reserves recently. The
document is now released for comments from all interested institutions.
>> more |
|
|
New insights into life of benthic amphipods |
16.05.2011 |
|
|
 |
Recently defended PhD work on benthic amphipods delivers new information
about life and ecology of related species living in ice covered waters
around Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
Monitoring of polar bear dens continues |
06.05.2011 |
|
|
 |
Less polar bear dens and fewer encounters with polar bears than in 2009 were
conclusions from 2011 monitoring fieldwork on Kongsøya.
>> more |
|
|
Small planes following black carbon pathways |
05.05.2011 |
|
|
 |
Small unmanned planes operated by NORUT are used in the spring campaign in
Svalbard right now. They are to map the melting of snow and ice caused by
black carbon transported to Svalbard over long distances.
>> more |
|
|
Scientific blogging - follow research activities
as they happen |
04.05.2011 |
|
|
 |
Blogging
has become one of the modern tools to communicate science as it is
happening, directly from the research tents in the field or various research
vessels. Read about current activities on SSF blog section.
>> more |
|
|
Retreating Arctic coast |
20.04.2011 |
|
|
 |
Arctic
coastline reacts to the climate change by faster retreat due to higher
erosion rates. The retreat causes significant changes for coastal
ecosystems. The retreat of the coast can reach several meters each year.
>> more |
|
|
Svalbard's Environmental Protection Fund distributes 3,7 mln
this spring |
15.04.2011 |
|
|
 |
Svalbard's
Environmental Protection Fund has distributed over 3,7 mln NOK to 19
projects out of 52 applying for support. The largest amount goes to Store
Norske for establishing Gruve 3 Museum.
>> more |
|
|
Endemic Svalbard Saltmarsh Grass eaten up? |
15.04.2011 |
|
|
 |
Svalbard
Environmental Fond has supported a botanical project that tries to find if
there is any Svalbard Saltmarsh Grass left after extensive goose grazing.
>> more |
|
|
New director at Kings Bay AS |
15.04.2011 |
|
|
 |
Kings Bay
AS has appointed a new director to replace Roger Jakobsen. Ole Øiseth is
currently employed at the Norwegian military forces. He has background in
administration and human resources.
>> more |
|
|
Call for Papers - Advances in meteorology:
special issue for Svalbard |
15.04.2011 |
|
|
 |
Rapid
development of various observational platforms in meteorology, increased
number of ship-based observations and ice-camps in Svalbard in the recent
years led to a special issue on Svalbard meteorology. This is Call for
Papers to be submitted.
>> more |
|
|
1000 years of winter temperatures reconstructed
from Svalbard ice cores |
05.04.2011 |
|
|
 |
Two
isotopic ice core records from western Svalbard were used to reconstruct
approximately 1000 years of past winter surface air temperature variations
in Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Vardø, northern Norway.
>> more |
|
|
Significant increase in freshwater content of the Arctic Ocean |
30.03.2011 |
|
|
 |
Researchers
from the Alfred-Wegener Institute (AWI) have published a study stating that
the freshwater content of the upper Arctic Ocean has increased by about 20 %
since the 1990ies.
>> more |
|
|
Coming event: workshop on Svalbard geology |
23.03.2011 |
|
|
 |
SSF is organizing a workshop with focus on: "Environmental changes in Svalbard since
the last glacial maximum - integrating marine and terrestrial records".
The workshop will take place at the Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway on 27-29
April 2011.
>> more |
|
|
Concluding document on atmospheric research in Ny-Ålesund published |
22.03.2011 |
|
|
 |
Based on a workshop arranged by SSF in November 2008, this brief report
defines core elements of the Atmosphere Research Flagship programme in
Ny-Ålesund.
>> more |
|
|
Record loss of ozone in the Arctic |
15.03.2011 |
|
|
 |
Measurements reveal massive ozone depletion initiated by unusually low
temperatures in the Arctic ozone layer.
>> more |
|
|
Expedition cruise traffic around Svalbard |
03.03.2011 |
|
|
 |
Report
published by Akvaplan-Niva evaluates the effect of today`s cruise
tourism on the environment around Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
Arctic Field Grant 2011 |
02.03.2011 |
|
|
 |
Arctic
Field Grant remains a popular source of fieldwork funding for students and
researchers based in Norway. As many as 22 researchers and 36 students have secured funds for this years' field work in Svalbard.
In total almost 2,8 mln NOK were distributed.
>> more |
|
|
TopoSvalbard with new look |
01.03.2011 |
|
|
 |
The
Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) has released a new version of the map portal
TopoSvalbard.
>> more |
|
|
Environmental contaminants in arctic animals |
24.02.2011 |
|
|
 |
Early this
year, Lisa B. Helgason, University in Tromsø and the Norwegian Polar
Institute, showed in her Ph.d. thesis that arctic animals contain higher
levels of halogenated organic contaminants in sensitive organs during
periods of emaciation and that seasonal variations effect animals ability to
break down those pollutants.
>> more |
|
|
Factors influencing Red List species on Svalbard |
23.02.2011 |
|
|
 |
As part of
a book about environmental conditions and impacts for Red List species in
Norway, published by the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre (Artsdatabanken),
the chapter about Svalbard has now been translated to English.
>> more |
|
|
Do you want to shape the future of research in Svalbard? |
15.02.2011 |
|
|
 |
The
Research Council of Norway is currently looking for three research advisers
to work at the Svalbard Science Forum (SSF) in Longyearbyen.
>> more |
|
|
Updated list about requirements for research applications |
15.02.2011 |
|
|
 |
The
Governor of Svalbard has published a set of requirements for applications
regarding field research in Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
Balloon winter night flights |
10.02.2011 |
|
|
 |
During the
first week of January 2011, the University of Rome La Sapienza and the ISTAR
Group launched two small stratospheric balloons from Ny-Ålesund, in order to
observe the polar winter night sky stratospheric wind trajectories. Here,
the scientists report about their work.
>> more |
|
|
Report about climate change in the Norwegian
Arctic now available in English |
09.02.2011 |
|
|
 |
In its
report, NorACIA gathers available knowledge about climate change in northern
Norway, Svalbard and the surrounding oceans, in order to form a basis for
further studies to improve current understanding of the interconnections and
effects within the Arctic Climate System.
>> more |
|
|
Air measurements in Ny-Ålesund reveal high arctic mercury deposition
|
02.02.2011 |
|
|
 |
In the
Arctic, the degree of mercury deposition outranges any other place on earth.
According to researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and
Technology (NTNU) one explanation for this may lie in the meteorological
conditions during Arctic spring and summer.
>> more |
|
|
Geochemical atlas of Spitsbergen published |
02.02.2011 |
|
|
 |
The atlas
presents the distribution of 48 chemical elements on Spitsbergen and puts
their natural content in contrast to local anthropogenic influences.
>> more |
|
|
Polar Bear Specialist Group publishes proceedings from latest meeting |
01.02.2011 |
|
|
 |
The 15th
working meeting of the Polar Bear Specialist Group (PBSG) from the
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)
was convened in Copenhagen in 2009. The proceedings contain an overview of
ongoing research and management activities on polar bears in the Arctic since 2005.
>> more |
|
|
Old fault zones on Svalbard still active |
27.01.2011 |
|
|
 |
On 21
February 2008, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6,0 on the Richter scale
hit the Storfjorden area on Svalbard. Seismologists could measure more than
250 earth quakes exceeding 2,0 on the Richter scale during the following
months.
>> more |
|
|
Mapping Terra Incognita |
24.01.2011 |
|
|
 |
Last
summer, scientists working on the project "The invertebrate fauna of Edgeøya:
Mapping Terra Incognita" successfully commenced field work on the island.
They aim to improve knowledge about the ecology of
invertebrates in the Eastern areas of Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
Arctic fox on Hopen infected with rabies |
19.01.2011 |
|
|
 |
An arctic
fox (Vulpes lagopus) that attacked dogs at the meteorological station
on Hopen has been tested positive for rabies. This is the first registered
occurrence of rabies in Svalbard since 1999.
>> more |
|
|
The recovery of an ichthyosaur from Edgeøya |
18.01.2011 |
|
|
 |
During
field work in the Triassic of Edgeøya in 2007, geologists from the Norwegian
Petroleum Directorate, with aid from SINTEF Petroleum Research and Polish
scientists, discovered a
well preserved fossil ichthyosaur. Here, you can read a report about the
further work with this specimen.
>> more |
|
|
New maps published |
17.01.2011 |
|
|
 |
The
Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) has just published a new version of a map
series covering Svalbard in the scale 1:250 000 (S250).
>> more |
|
|
New boat available for transportation on Svalbard |
14.01.2011 |
|
|
 |
From
summer 2011, Spitsbergen Sailing AS will rent out their Yacht "Aleiga" for
transportation purposes or research cruises.
>> more |
|
|
The Czech field season 2010 in Petuniabukta, Billefjord |
13.01.2011 |
|
|
 |
SSF has
received a field report for 2010 from the Czech research team working in
Petuniabukta. The scientist have been working with biological and
climatological research in the region for several years.
>> more |
|
|
New regulations regarding control of travellers between Svalbard and the mainland |
13.01.2011 |
|
|
 |
From 1
February 2011 on, the identity of all travellers between Svalbard and the
Norwegian mainland will be checked both upon arrival and departure.
>> more |
|
|
Migration of Svalbard rock ptarmigan mapped for the first time |
12.01.2011 |
|
|
 |
The
Svalbard rock ptarmigan is an endemic subspecies on Svalbard and little has
been known about its biology. Now, a pilot study undertaken by the Norwegian
Polar Institute (NPI) and financed by the Svalbard Environmental Protection
Fund, sheds light on the seasonal migration of these birds within Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
Waiting takes a rocket scientist |
03.12.2010 |
|
|
 |
Just now,
scientists involved in the Rocket Experiment for Neutral Upwelling (RENU)
are awaiting optimal launch conditions to unravel what
happens during neutral upwelling in the atmosphere. The campaign is lead by
Dr. Marc Lessard (University of New Hampshire) and involves
scientists from UNIS, the Andøya Rocket Range and the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA).
>> more |
|
|
"Fjord Systems and Archives" newly
published |
02.12.2010 |
|
|
 |
The book
contains more than 20 papers about the physics, biology and, in particular,
about geological processes and palaeo-environments in fjords. Nine of these
papers are dealing with fjords on Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
Arctic island Jan Mayen becomes a nature reserve |
23.11.2010 |
|
|
 |
The
Norwegian government has decided to protect the Arctic island Jan Mayen and
surrounding seas within 12 nautical miles from shore for its unique Arctic
geology and wilderness.
>> more |
|
|
New species on the red list 2010 |
18.11.2010 |
|
|
 |
Svalbard
saltmarsh grass (Puccinellia svalbardensis) and Brünnich's guillemot
(Uria lomvia) have been added to the red list of Svalbard species due
to recent significant decrease in population size.
>> more |
|
|
Innovative and alternative projects winning most |
16.11.2010 |
|
|
 |
26 projects
have received over 5,1mln kroner from the Svalbard
Environmental Fund. This time innovative and alternative outreach projects
with focus on education received most support.
>> more |
|
|
Continuous glacier calving data for Kronebreen
and Sveabreen |
16.11.2010 |
|
|
 |
2010 has
been another interesting year both in the field collecting new data for the
project and getting more in depth in the data analysis from the previous
year. Collaboration with the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES)
allowed to get a entirely new dataset.
AFG2009-146 report.
>> more |
|
|
Another year of mass balance measurements on
Holtedahlfonna |
10.11.2010 |
|
|
 |
The mass
balance series for Holtedahlfonna & Kronebreen was updated for another year,
making the continuous record consistent from 2003-2010. On Holtedahlfonna,
all data was downloaded from 2 GPS stations, 2 automatic weather stations, 3
individual temperature loggers and an independent sonic sensor. Also, the
seismic station located close to the front of Kronebreen was repaired and
re-deployed.
AFG2009-157 report.
>> more |
|
|
Arctic Field Grant (Arktisstipend) - Call for Proposals |
05.11.2010 |
|
|
|
Svalbard
Science Forum, in cooperation with the Norwegian Polar Institute, will award
Arctic Field Grants in connection with research projects in Svalbard in
2010.
Application deadline: 20 Nov 2010, 4pm.
>> more |
|
|
New geology maps published |
03.11.2010 |
|
|
 |
The Norwegian Polar Institute has just produced and published two new
geology maps for Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
|
Capturing changing geomorphology by UAV |
29.10.2010 |
|
|
 |
The UAV generates high resolution, high quality aerial imagery. Preliminary
analysis shows that the data is well suited to automated particle size
measurements and digital elevation model generation.
>> more |
|
|
|
Black carbon - driving force for climate system? |
28.10.2010 |
|
|
 |
New results from research on black carbon suggest it is 2nd after CO2 gas
that enhances climate warming. Less black carbon might be a key to slow down
the global warming.
>> more |
|
|
|
Nitrogen dynamics in the winter snow pack |
25.10.2010 |
|
|
 |
What's the role of snow in the nitrogen budget in Arctic systems? Mats
Björkman seeks answers through measurements of nitrate isotopic signatures,
investigating snow chemical composition, snow melt elution and chemistry of
deposition events.
>> more |
|
|
|
Mapping, measuring, filtering, flying - BSES in
Svalbard again |
22.10.2010 |
|
|
 |
British Schools Exploring Society (BSES) members undertook a wide range of
fieldwork projects during a five week camping expedition to Oscar II Land in
summer 2010.
>> more |
|
|
|
White or yellow - what's best colour for flowers
in Svalbard? |
22.10.2010 |
|
|
 |
Colour has been known as important factor in both attracting insets and
therefore assuring pollination and contribute to increased heat budget of
flowers. However, 48% of Svalbard flora is white. The question is: why?
>> more |
|
|
|
New generation pollutants
- not so easy to get rid of |
8.10.2010 |
|
|
|
In the recent years many chemical components known as persistent
environmental pollutants were replaced by new generation of chemicals. These
were expected to break down easily. However, data collected from Svalbard
ice cores show they are more stable than it was thought and they travel over
great distances too.
>> more |
|
|
|
Hunting avalanches on Svalbard |
1.10.2010 |
|
|
 |
Little has been known about avalanches in arctic regions. Now, researchers
from the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) have gathered information
about 731 avalanches in the surrounding of Longyearbyen.
>> more |
|
|
|
Far-flying seabirds |
27.09.2010 |
|
|
 |
The migration routes of Arctic skuas have been mapped for the first time.
>> more |
|
|
|
Sleeping beauty on the arctic sea floor |
23.09.2010 |
|
|
 |
Thermophilic bacteria with a hibernation period of up to 100 million years
have been discovered on the sea floor off Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
|
Pollutants go with the flow |
22.09.2010 |
|
|
 |
MSc thesis confirms the importance of the Atlantic current as pathway for
environmental pollutants into the Arctic.
>> more |
|
|
|
Controlled meteorological balloons successfully launched from Ny-Ålesund |
21.09.2010 |
|
|
 |
In August 2010, five Controlled Meteorological (CMET) balloons were launched
from Ny-Ålesund and flown for periods ranging from just under one day to
nearly three days across the North Atlantic. This field study demonstrated
for the first time the feasibility of conducting long-duration controlled
flights of small meteorological balloons in the Arctic (AFG2009-439 report).
>> more |
|
|
|
Report about environmental pollution in connection to settlements on Svalbard |
17.09.2010 |
|
|
 |
Akvaplan-niva has recently published a report that summarizes the state of
pollution in marine environments in connection to settlements on Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
|
Where birds are losing their feathers |
17.09.2010 |
|
|
 |
Researchers from the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) have mapped moulting
areas of common eider, king eider and long-tailed duck on Svalbard.
>> more |
|
|
|
Concluding document of the Terrestrial Ecosystems Workshop now
available |
15.09.2010 |
|
|
 |
In May 2009, SSF held a workshop concerning terrestrial research in
Ny-Ålesund. The resulting document defines core elements of the
Terrestrial Ecosystem Flagship program, the third of several flagships
that aim to strengthen international cooperation in Ny-Ålesund.
>> more |
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New insights in polar bear ecology |
14.09.2010 |
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|
 |
PhD thesis shows that differences in the migration patterns of polar
bears in the Barents Sea region cannot be explained by genetics.
>> more |
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Report about climate indicators on Svalbard and Jan Mayen |
27.08.2010 |
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|
 |
The Environmental Monitoring System for Svalbard and Jan Mayen (MOSJ) observes and describes environmental conditions in the Norwegian Arctic. A new MOSJ-report focuses on climate indicators.
>> more |
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Bioprospecting in the Barents Sea |
23.08.2010 |
|
|
 |
70 000 extracts of marine organisms have been analyzed during a Norwegian
effort on prospecting of marine life in the Barents Sea. Now, patents for
two of these substances have been applied.
>> more |
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Ringed seal bounds northward |
17.08.2010 |
|
|
 |
This summer, the Norwegian Polar Institute has marked nine ringed
seals with advanced satellite tags at Nordaustlandet. One of the seals
has been swimming far into the ice covered Arctic Ocean and already
reached 84° N.
>> more |
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Successful AUV mission at 79° N |
17.08.2010 |
|
|
 |
The Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) has
launched its Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) on an
under-ice mission.
>> more |
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The search for the origin of insects |
17.08.2010 |
|
|
 |
Five researchers from the French National Museum of Natural History (MNHN)
are looking for pieces in the jigsaw of insect evolution.
>> more |
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Young explorers get a taste of arctic science |
12.08.2010 |
|
|
 |
The British Schools Exploring Society Expedition to Svalbard in spring 2010
has brought young explorers closer to glaciology, hydrology and ornithology.
>> more |
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The intimate coupling between algal blooms and secondary production |
12.08.2010 |
|
|
 |
Scientist from the IPY project CLEOPATRA have followed algal blooms and
population development of Calanus glacialis.
>> more |
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Solar eclipse shown to impact local weather |
11.08.2010 |
|
|
 |
Recent publication shows that a solar eclipse lead to long-lasting fog
in Longyearbyen in summer 2008.
>> more |
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A seal of science |
10.08.2010 |
|
|
 |
Researchers from the Norwegian Polar Institute have tagged the first ringed
seal with a new kind of data logger.
>> more |
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View into the past |
05.08.2010 |
|
|
 |
The whole world can watch while Norwegian palaeontologists are digging for
prehistoric marine reptiles.
>> more |
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Keeping up with the weather |
04.08.2010 |
|
|
 |
The Norwegian Meteorological Institute is planning to increase the amount of
permanent weather stations on Svalbard in order to improve the weather
forecast for the archipelago.
>> more |
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Radon as tracer for glacial meltwater origin |
03.08.2010 |
|
|
 |
Researchers from the University of Luxembourg are the first to use radon in
a study of glacier outflow.
>> more |
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Workboat 'Barentsburg' - a new member of the scientific vessel pool in Svalbard |
21.07.2010 |
|
|
 |
Trust Arcticugol in Barentsburg has acquired a cutter, similar to the
workboat 'Teisten' in Ny-Ålesund. From this summer on it can be hired for
scientific and explorative purposes.
>> more |
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What we do and do not know about glaciers and glaciation |
21.07.2010 |
|
|
 |
The second edition of the book “Glaciers and Glaciation” has just been
published. The updated version features a lot of information about the
glaciers of Svalbard. Authors are Doug Benn from the University Centre in
Svalbard (UNIS) and David Evans from Durham University (UK).
>> more |
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Svalbard biodiversity on the net |
30.06.2010 |
|
|
 |
It's difficult to judge: beauty of the flowers or usefulness of the insects?
In any case Svalbard has a lot to offer on a micro scale. The growing
compilations of plants and invertebrates are online and provide excellent
source of knowledge.
>> more |
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|
|
Third European Conference on Permafrost (EUCOP III) held in Longyearbyen |
18.06.2010 |
|
|
 |
250 delegates from 27 countries discussed the current state of permafrost
during the biggest scientific conference The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS)
has ever hosted.
>> more |
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|
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New Science Plan for Ny-Ålesund effective since 12 June |
16.06.2010 |
|
|
 |
The science plan for Kongsfjorden International Research Base (KIRB) has
been revised and is now available on the web.
>> more |
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Fires spread environmental toxins over the Arctic |
03.06.2010 |
|
|
 |
Forest fires and straw and stubble burning are leading to record-high
concentrations of PCB over Svalbard. As a result of climate change, airborne
pollution is thus becoming an increasing problem in the Arctic.
>> more |
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Fibre optic cable will be extended to Ny-Ålesund |
25.05.2010 |
|
|
 |
Data transmission capacity of Ny-Ålesund will increase 6000 times when the
fibre optical cable will be extended. The work has already begun.
>> more |
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Capacity problems in Ny-Ålesund this summer |
25.05.2010 |
|
|
 |
Kings Bay asks all visitors to check if there is any accommodation available
in Ny-Ålesund before planning the dates for travel. Certain periods are
fully booked!
>> more |
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Local barnacle goose population suffers from polar bears |
10.05.2010 |
|
|
 |
Once, offshore islands were a safe place to breed for a number of bird
species. However, times are changing. Researchers from BResearch, Groningen
report a dramatic increase of summer predation by polar bears.
>> more |
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Studying the flora, vegetation & productivity of Arctic plant communities |
10.05.2010 |
|
|
 |
Since many years, the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute, Kola Science
Centre, Russian Academy of Science (KSC RAS), Apatity, Russia has conducted
intensive studies on vegetation taxonomy, ecophysiology, soil and landscape
ecogeochemistry. Here is a glimpse of their studies.
>> more |
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U.S. and UNIS students continue study of past
climate change in Linnédalen |
05.05.2010 |
|
|
 |
Study of modern processes operating in a glacier-river-lake system helps
reconstruct past climate from lake sediments. U.S: and UNIS students and
researchers work together in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
programme.
>> more |
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SvalGlac has started - first field season, spring
2010 |
04.05.2010 |
|
|
 |
ESF-funded PolarClimate proposal SvalGlac is a consortium of glaciologists
from 13 different countries working together. The project aims to
investigate the balance and state of the glaciers and ice caps on Svalbard
in period 2010-2012 and it has just started its field activities with a
kick-off season on Lomonosovfonna and Nordenskiöldbreen.
>> more |
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18 projects supported by Svalbard Environmental
Fund |
22.04.2010 |
|
|
|
18 projects were selected in the last round to be funded by the Svalbard
Environmental Fund. A record amount (4.7 mln NOK) was distributed.
>> more |
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|
Mass and Energy Balance of Sørbreen, Jan Mayen (AFG-458) |
22.04.2010 |
|
|
 |
High spatial variability in snow accumulation pattern due to uneven surface
topography and wind action and differential melting are characteristic
features of Sørbreen, according to John Hulth report from field
>> more |
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|
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Eco-physiology of the Arctic kelp Laminaria
solidungula (AFG-494) |
15.04.2010 |
|
|
 |
New samples of L. Solidungula were collected in waters of Svalbard fiords
during the frame of one of the Arctic Field Grant projects, Elen Belseth
reports.
>> more |
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EPOCA - ocean acidification experiment |
13.04.2010 |
|
|
 |
EPOCA international team plans a field experiment in Ny-Ålesund trying to
determine how sensitive marine organisms are to increased acidity of the
sea. 6 nations and 33 scientists and technicians will be working in
Ny-Ålesund during the pelagic experiment this spring.
>> more |
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CryoSat-2 satellite on the way |
09.04.2010 |
|
|
 |
European Space Agency (ESA) can breathe with relief now when CryoSat-2
satellite was succesfully launched and shot into the polar orbit from
Baikonur Cosmodrome on 8th April 2010. CryoSat-2 measures ice
thickness over land and oceans. These data are invaluable for the estimates
of total ice mass on Earth. CrySat-2 is described as "a hi-tech mission
showing what European collaboration can achieve".
>> more |
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Putting Svalbard geese on the map |
09.04.2010 |
|
|
 |
The project GOOSEMAP has collected all known registrations of geese in Svalbard.
This resulted in distribution maps of three goose species during different stages of their
stay in Svalbard.
>> more |
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Into the
deep, dark polar night waters |
26.03.2010 |
|
|
 |
The underwater life during polar night puzzles and delivers cues to
understand the interactions between ocean and atmosphere in the winter. The
ocean is not asleep at all in the darkness: the microorganisms migrate up
and down regardless if the light is delivered or not. Several research
groups from Norway and USA joined in an educational project (NORUS)
combining science with newest underwater technology to find out what is
really driving them and how it works.
>> more |
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Cool Arctic during the Cretaceous greenhouse |
25.03.2010 |
|
|
 |
An evidence for cool Arctic marine temperatures during the Cretaceous
greenhouse has been found in the rocks of Svalbard.New stable isotope data
from derived from the Cretaceous (Valanginian) of the Festningen Section and
Janusfjellet reveals transient glacial marine temperatures during the
Cretaceous greenhouse.
>> more |
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High-flying research aircraft Geophysica on
Svalbard for the first time |
11.03.2010 |
|
|
 |
Within the European research project RECONCILE the Russian high-flying
research aircraft M55 Geophysica landed in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. It was
the first time that this special aircraft went this far north. This mission
was part of a 6-week measurement campaign based in Kiruna, Sweden.
>> more |
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Arctic Field Grant 2010 |
09.03.2010 |
|
|
|
Out of 73 applications sent to 'Arctic Field Grant 2010' 63 were accepted. As many
as 27 researchers and 36 students have secured funds for this years' field work in Svalbard.
>> more |
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Research Access to Eastern Areas in Svalbard
workshop |
05.03.2010 |
|
|
 |
SSF and SMS have jointly organized a workshop that aimed at exchange of
information and finding solutions for accessing and carrying out future
research in the least accessible, and the most logistically demanding places
in Svalbard - the East.
>> more |
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Airglow and meteors in mesopause hide clues to
understanding climate changes |
03.03.2010 |
|
|
 |
Margit Dyrland has worked on observations of temperature and airglow changes
in upper atmosphere/mesosphere trying to find a key to weather and climate
variability. Combination of several methods was used and she has found
relationships between various climate elements, fully described in her PhD
thesis.
>> more |
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|
Polar bear left brown bear's evolutionary branch
150 000 years ago |
03.03.2010 |
|
|
 |
The DNA analyses of the polar bear jaw found in Svalbard a few years ago
confirm beyond doubt that polar bear is a young specie and it has an
evolution history reaching ancestor in brown bear.
>> more |
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Interactive map of Svalbard (Svalbardkartet)
available for all |
03.03.2010 |
|
|
 |
Norwegian Polar Institute in cooperation with the Governor of Svalbard has
prepared an interactive set of maps for Svalbard. It includes place names,
various thematic maps, historical sea ice extend data and much more.
>> more |
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Svalbard full of pesticides? |
12.02.2010 |
|
|
 |
Several different pesticides are found in Svalbard. Some of them are in
concentrations high enough to estimate that there is a ton of each of them
on all of the land ice here.
>> more |
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|
Land rising due to melting glaciers and ice caps |
12.02.2010 |
|
|
 |
Land in Svalbard is rising both due to recovery from the last glaciation and
melting glacier mass at present. Norwegian Mapping Authority measurements
confirm that the land rising rate varies depending on amount of melting ice
from the glaciers from one year to another.
>> more |
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Oldest polar bear bones ever found |
22.01.2010 |
|
|
 |
One of the most extraordinary finds in Svalbard was made during a geology
student excursion to Prins Karls Forland in 2004. The jawbone found then is
now announced to be the oldest remnant of a polar bear ever discovered.
>> more |
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The Czech field season 2009 in Petuniabukta, Billefjord |
08.01.2010 |
|
|
 |
SSF has received a report from the Czech research team working in
Petuniabukta. Work has been conducted in the fields of botany, zoology and
climatology.
>> more |
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Variable effects of climate change on reproduction in two seabird species |
08.01.2010 |
|
|
 |
International research teams have studied the breeding biology of little
auks and kittiwakes in Svalbard over the last five decades. Now Børge Moen
(NINA) and his team compared changes of reproductive pattern in these two
species with changes in climate during this period.
>> more |
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With hovercraft into inaccessible Arctic |
23.12.2009 |
|
|
 |
A hovercraft proves invaluable when it comes to access and be mobile in the
remote parts of the sea ice-covered Arctic. SABVABAA is moving swiftly along
the ice edge and the advanced instrumentation on board allow collecting
various type of data.
>> more |
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Red listed species in Svalbard |
18.12.2009 |
|
|
 |
A little less than 2% of all red listed species in Norway are in Svalbard.
At the moment only mammals, birds, fresh water fish and vascular plants are
assessed in Svalbard. Several species are considered endangered.
>> more |
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CO2 lab - porous sandstone found and ready for
tests |
17.12.2009 |
|
|
 |
After several unsuccessful drilling attempts the team's spirit is up again.
In the early December the drill reached depth of 969,8 m and the thick layer
of sandstone was found. The rock is porous enough to start tests on its
ability to store carbon dioxide in the future. The project continues.
>> more |
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Large ion-acoustic waves & flickering aurora |
14.12.2009 |
|
|
 |
Upper atmosphere phenomena like northern lights are best studied in polar
regions. Aurora is highly spectacular to watch. Shower of solar particles
make aurora flicker and interfere with the navigation
and communication equipment.
>> more |
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New methods in use and new research in Hornsund |
09.12.2009 |
|
|
 |
Not uniform and difficult to access active layer of permafrost, new
measurements of water content within the glaciers by Nuclear Magnetic
Resonance probe, innovative laser scanning of the calving front, water and
snow chemistry studies - these are only few of exciting results obtained
this summer in Hornsund.
>> more |
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|
|
New research reveals complexities in assessing
the effects of contaminants in wildlife |
09.12.2009 |
|
|
 |
Assessing health risk of long-term exposure to environmental contaminants,
like DDT and PCBs, is challenging. Heli Routti from the Norwegian Polar
Instititute compared two contrasting ringed seal populations. The
relationships between contaminant levels, and hormone and vitamin systems
were found to be more complex than previously thought.
>> more |
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|
Record warm November |
03.12.2009 |
|
|
 |
Bjørnøya and Sveagruva reached a new record for November with temperatures far above the normal.
>> more |
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New rules for exporting goods to Svalbard |
02.12.2009 |
|
|
 |
The Norwegian Customs Authorities have introduced risk assessment of cargo
exported to non EU countries, Svalbard included. In order to comply with
regulation in force Bring Logistics AS is tightening up the rules for
declaring goods for export to Svalbard.
>> more |
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Prehistoric tracks and Darwins heritage dominated open day |
01.12.2009 |
|
|
 |
Last week, Svalbard Science Centre opened its doors for Longyearbyens school
children. Many of the activities were related to evolution - a tribute to
the Darwin year 2009.
>> more |
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|
|
Arctic Atmospheric Boundary Layer - simultaneous
profiling by SUMO |
19.11.2009 |
|
|
 |
SUMO (Small Unmanned Meteorological Observer)
has been used to monitor Arctic Atmospheric Boundary Layer (AABL) in
Svalbard. SUMO can perform both vertical and horizontal surveys of the mean
meteorological parameters: temperature, relative humidity, pressure and
wind.
>> more |
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|
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Detection of SO2 plumes with an ultra-violet
camera - EnviCam |
18.11.2009 |
|
|
 |
NILU scientists have built and tested new
ultra-violet imaging camera that can detact emissions of SO2 and provide
quantitative estimate of SO2 flux. The test was carried out in Ny-Ålesund
where many large cruise ships emit unknown amounts of SO2 into the
"pristine" air. The work was funded by Arctic Field Grant.
>> more |
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Where does Svalbard rock ptarmigan spend winter? |
13.11.2009 |
|
|
 |
Monitoring trekking pattern of Svalbard rock
ptarmigan can be a difficult task. Researchers have equipped eight birds
with small satellite senders and are able to track the moving patterns also
during the polar night.
>> more |
|
|
|
3-dimensional mapping of glacier caves in
Svalbard |
12.11.2009 |
|
|
 |
Glaciers' inner hydrological systems remain
largely unknown. Therefore speleological work delivers precious information
and helps creating 3-dimensional maps of glacier englacial and subglacial
drainage system. Jason Gulley reports on his work in caves of Rieperbreen,
Hansbreen and other glaciers in Svalbard.
>> more |
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Svalbard Environmental Fund priorities
sustainable tourism |
06.11.2009 |
|
|
|
Tourism industry can be happy with the support
their 3 projects have received from the Svalbard Environmental Fund.
Altogether 4,4 mln kroner will be delivered to 23 projects, 14 of which are
led by local recipients.
>> more |
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|
|
Barcoding Svalbard flora |
06.11.2009 |
|
|
 |
Inger Greve Alsos from UNIS has collected
samples from all known plants in Svalbard. They are being DNA-analysed and
barcoded in order to establish what specie each of them belongs to. DNA
makes the taxonomy easy.
>> more |
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|
|
Fossilized algae indicate sea ice cover extent in
the past 30 000 years |
06.11.2009 |
|
|
 |
Geoscientists have succeeded in reconstructing
sea ice cover extend in the past by use of two different fossil algae
species found in the sediment cores from Fram Strait. The results show also
how rapidly the changes were occurring.
>> more |
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|
|
Mapping Terra Incognita - The invertebrate fauna
of Edgeøya |
05.11.2009 |
|
|
 |
The invertebrate fauna of Edgeøya has been
remained unknown until now. PhD student from UNIS, María Luisa Ávila Jiménez
decided to tackle this issue in the summer 2009. Samples were taken to make
community comparison studies and phylogeographical analyses.
>> more
|
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|
Awards for two Svalbard researchers |
27.10.2009 |
|
|
 |
This October, two outstanding researchers
working in Svalbard were rewarded for their achievements in science: Geir
Wing Gabrielsen (NPI) received the Nansen Award and Jørn Hurum (Natural
History Museum, University of Oslo) received the Award for Excellence in
Communication of Science.
>> more |
|
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|
Arctic Field Grant (Arktisstipend) - Call for Proposals |
19.10.2009 |
|
|
|
Svalbard
Science Forum, in cooperation with the Norwegian Polar Institute, will award
Arctic Field Grants in connection with research projects in Svalbard in
2010.
Application deadline: 20 Nov 2009, 4pm.
>> more |
|
|
Agreement on climate change being the most important threat to polar bears |
09.10.2009 |
|
|
 |
In March 2009, Norway invited the five nations with polar bears in their
territory to a meeting under the Polar Bear Agreement from 1973. Now, the
final report of this meeting is available.
>> more |
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|
|
Ocean acidification threatens fauna in arctic oceans |
05.10.2009 |
|
|
 |
Researchers in the Laboratoire d'Océanographie at Villefranche (LOV)
have just demonstrated that key marine organisms, such as deep-water corals
and pteropods (shelled pelagic mollusks) will be profoundly affected ocean
acidification during the years to come.
>> more |
|
|
|
Winter areas determine contaminant levels in Svalbard geese |
02.10.2009 |
|
|
 |
A recent study shows that contaminant levels in pink-footed geese are three
times higher than in barnacle geese. This may be caused by a different
pollutant exposure in their wintering areas in continental Europe and
Scotland, respectively.
>> more |
|
|
|
Permafrost landforms monitored by satellites |
02.10.2009 |
|
|
 |
With help of satellite technology, researchers monitor periglacial landforms
in the permafrost landscape in Svalbard. The project PERMASAR is a
cooperation between the Northern Research Institute Norut in Tromsø, the
University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), the Geological Survey of Norway, the
Norwegian Space Centre and the University of Oslo.
>> more |
|
|
|
Microbial life in cryoconite holes |
18.09.2009 |
|
|
 |
Cryoconites, small holes melted in ice and filled with water are heaven for
microorganisms. Viruses, bacteria and microscopic plants create a rich
ecosystem in these isolated spots on glaciers in the Arctic. The question is:
how big role these micro-ecosystems played when the ice was disappearing
during the last deglaciation?
>> more |
|
|
|
SPARC and disappearing permafrost - a story from
Bayelva in Svalbard |
16.09.2009 |
|
|
 |
SPARC investigates Sensitivity of Permafrost in the Arctic. A group of
researchers has recently made field measurements in Bayelva catchment near
Ny-Ålesund. Depending on the snow depth the soil temperature at 1.5m depth
at different locations differed by up to five degrees during winter.
>> more |
|
|
|
Methane gas release from Arctic seabed
|
04.09.2009 |
|
|
 |
More than 250 plumes of gas bubbles have been discovered emanating from the seabed of the West Spitsbergen
continental margin. Most of the gas was the greenhouse gas methane and evidence was found that rising water
temperature will result in increased methane release.
>> more |
|
|
|
UN Secretary-General visits Svalbard to highlight climate change
|
03.09.2009 |
|
|
 |
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Svalbard to learn more about the
effects of climate change in the Arctic. During a visit at the ice edge he
expressed deep concern about the future of the Arctic.
>> more |
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|
|
On the search for Amundsens plane |
02.09.2009 |
|
|
 |
Currently, a Norwegian expedition is searching the sea floor between
Bjørnøya and Northern Norway in the hope to find remains of Roald Amundsens
plane Latham 47.
>> more |
|
|
|
SSF Joint Cooperation Initiative (JCI) starts up
with a workshop in Svalbard |
27.08.2009 |
|
|
 |
SSF has organized a Pan-Svalbard Cooperation
workshop in order to strengthen the scientific links between the main
research stations. The workshop took place on board of Polish research
vessel R/V Horyzont II, 17-21 Aug 2009. The participants visited
Longyearbyen, Hornsund, Barentsburg and Ny-Ålesund.
>> more |
|
|
|
Call for Proposals: Fieldwork
funding opportunity in Ny-Ålesund (ARCFAC) |
26.08.2009 |
|
|
 |
It's the last chance to submit a scientific proposal to ARCFAC and gain free
access to the European research facilities in Ny-Ålesund.
Submission deadline: 30 September 2009.
>> more |
|
|
|
SSF office closed next week (week 34: 18-21 Aug
2009) |
14.08.2009 |
|
|
 |
Due to the SSF Joint Cooperation Initiative workshop the SSF office will be
closed for 4 days next week.
>> more |
|
|
|
Warmer water west of Svalbard - AREX2009 cruise
report |
13.08.2009 |
|
|
 |
This year's cruise noted an increase in water temperatures west of Svalbard.
The researchers observe cycles with warmer and colder water with slightly
positive trend.
>> more |
|
|
|
First ever plum tree found in Svalbard |
13.08.2009 |
|
|
 |
Vegetation monitoring programme at UNIS brought an unusual finding: two
small plum trees. These sort has never been seen here before. The seeds
found conditions suitable enough to grow throughout short Arctic summer.
>> more |
|
|
|
Unique data collection all year round |
31.07.2009 |
|
|
 |
Knowledge about the wintertime marine ecology in Svalbards fjords is
limited, due to the difficulty of obtaining data during the long polar
night. For the first time a team of scientists and students from The
University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) has now been able to sample ice, water
and plankton throughout a full year.
>> more |
|
|
|
Studying arctic sea ice properties from the air: CASIE 2009 |
28.07.2009 |
|
|
 |
A small NASA aircraft currently conducts flights from Ny-Ålesund to study
the receding Arctic sea ice and improve understanding of its life cycle and
the long-term stability of the Arctic ice cover.
>> more |
|
|
|
Mapping contaminants in arctic waters - COPOL on its last cruise |
27.07.2009 |
|
|
 |
Researchers from the IPY-project COPOL (Contaminants in Polar Regions)
currently conduct their last cruise in Kongsfjorden and Liefdefjorden. Their
aim is to collect samples from several animal groups in order to better
understand the effect of contaminants on the marine ecosystem.
>> more |
|
|
|
Overview of scientific cruises in the Arctic on
the web |
23.07.2009 |
|
|
 |
CliC (Climate and Cryosphere) Arctic Sea-Ice Working Group and IARC
(International Arctic Research Centre) have provided an overview of
scientific cruises in the Arctic. The overview can be found on the internet.
>> more |
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On the search for subtenants - invertebrate fauna in arctic bird nests |
22.07.2009 |
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|
 |
There have been few scientific investigations into the invertebrate fauna of
bird nests in the polar regions. A new study provides insight into the life
of insects and mites in bird nests on Svalbard.
>> more |
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Breeding Common Scoter observed in Kongsfjorden |
20.07.2009 |
|
|
 |
For the first time since 1905, a Common Scoter nest has been found in
Svalbard.
>> more |
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Arctic Tipping Points |
16.07.2009 |
|
|
 |
A research cruise of the project Arctic Tipping Points (ATP) confirms the
spread of warm Atlantic waters further north into the Arctic. Now the
researchers conduct experiments on the collected samples in order to
establish the threshold of warming, causing abrupt changes in Arctic
ecosystems.
>> more |
|
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New discoveries about surging glaciers in
Svalbard |
14.07.2009 |
|
|
 |
Surges are still quite mysterious phenomena of majority of Svalbard
glaciers. UNIS PhD student, Monica Sund is tracking surges down and tries to
spot first signs of a new surge as early as possible. She makes new
discoveries along the way.
>> more |
|
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Snow avalanches and scooter traffic monitored by
CRYOSLOPE |
13.07.2009 |
|
|
 |
UNIS scientists carry out a snow avalanche monitoring project in the
proximity of Longyearbyen. They document avalanche frequency, size and
locations, provide statistics and gather information on potential hazard for
scooter traffic.
>> more |
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The breath of the tundra |
09.07.2009 |
|
|
 |
Post Doc Namyi Chae from the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) measures currently soil CO2
efflux on the tundra behind the Korean DASAN-station in Ny-Ålesund. Her field work is part of a
project that studies the composition of the polar atmosphere in relation to climate change (COMPAC).
>> more |
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SORA - largest balloon ever launched this far north! |
08.07.2009 |
|
|
 |
Early in the morning of 1 July 2009 an 800,000 cubic meter balloon lifted off from the Longyearbyen
airport at 00:08 UT with a 1.487 kg payload … destination: the stratosphere.
>> more |
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Wintering grounds of the Svalbard rock ptarmigan to be revealed? |
30.06.2009 |
|
|
 |
A new webpage has been launched which allows you to follow the movements of
eight Svalbard Rock ptarmigans equipped with satellite transmitters. This
service is part of a project from the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) and
the University of Tromsø.
>> more |
|
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New information centre in Ny-Ålesund opened today |
29.06.2009 |
|
|
 |
An updated and upgraded Information Centre opened today its doors for
scientists, inhabitants and visitors in Ny-Ålesund.
>> more |
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Air pollution and snowmobiles in Svalbard |
29.06.2009 |
|
|
 |
During the "rush hour" in April/May when most people start their snow
mobiles and get ready for a trip the air pollution in Longyearbyen reaches
values 100 times higher than in the summer. It makes air quality comparable
with large European cities.
>> more |
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Polar bears, cats and Toxoplasma gondii |
25.06.2009 |
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|
 |
The dangerous parasite Toxoplasma gondii needs cats to reproduce. Is it
therefore a surprise to find it in Svalbard as cats are banned here.
Where is the parasite found and how has it come here?
>> more |
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NySMAC newsletters available in electronic format |
22.06.2009 |
|
|
 |
The Ny-Ålesund Science Managers Committee (NySMAC) has announced launching
its newsletter in electronic format only.
>> more |
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Earthquakes in Svalbard - are they unusual? |
22.06.2009 |
|
|
 |
Several relatively strong earthquakes have been recently registered by
seismic monitoring instruments near the shorelines of Svalbard. Are the
earthquakes unusual in the Arctic? Are they becoming stronger and more
frequent or are instruments more sensitive to capture them?
>> more |
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Exposed to Persistent Organic Pollutants
|
18.06.2009 |
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|
 |
Among sea birds Glaucous gull is the one that suffers the results of
accumulating high amounts of POPs most. Black-legged kittiwake and Atlantic
puffin have lower levels of POPs and they do not show signs of weaken immune
system yet.
>> more |
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Mapping polar bear dens on Kongsøya
|
18.06.2009 |
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|
 |
The Norwegian Polar Institute has carried out fieldwork in the west part of
Kongsøya. This part of Svalbard has always been an important dens area for
female polar bears.
>> more |
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Cruise Handbook for Svalbard
|
05.06.2009 |
|
|
 |
The Norwegian Polar Institute has developed a cruise handbook for Svalbard
with information about natural environment, history and cultural heritage. Now it is also available in English.
>> more |
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3rd consecutive spring mission on Vestfonna ice
cap |
26.05.2009 |
|
|
 |
For the 3rd consecutive spring season since 2007, IPY Kinnvika project’s
members carried out new series of differential GPS and radar measurements on
Vestfonna ice cap.
>> more |
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Kleptoparasitism - a common crime on Svalbard |
26.05.2009 |
|
|
 |
A project at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) investigates the
frequent stealing of shellfish by glaucous gulls. The victims are common
eiders when they resurface after a food dive.
>> more |
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Heritage Survey of the Arctic Coal Company |
22.05.2009 |
|
|
 |
In summer 2008, graduate students Seth DePasqual and Cameron Hartnell from
the Michigan Technological University’s (MTU) undertook an archaeological
survey of Mine 1 in Longyear Valley, and several remains of activities by
the American Arctic Coal Company in Sassen Valley and Coles Bay.
>> more |
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Integrating the terrestrial research in Ny-Ålesund |
20.05.2009 |
|
|
 |
24 researchers from 11 countries recently gathered in Oslo to discuss the
state of terrestrial research, future goals and better integration of
current and future research initiatives in Ny-Ålesund.
>> more |
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Polres - funds for polar research cooperation
between Norway, USA and Russia |
08.05.2009 |
|
|
 |
New funding has become available for polar research projects run as joint
activity between Norway and USA or Norway and Russia.
>> more |
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A new Svalbard ice core at Lomonosovfonna |
15.04.2009 |
|
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|
An international group of scientists have spent 10 days on top of cold and
windy Lomonosovfonna drilling a new, 149-meter-deep ice core.
>> more |
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Ph.D. grants at UNIS available for Indian students |
02.04.2009 |
|
|
 |
The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) has currently three positions for
Indian Ph.D. students available. The fields are Arctic marine ecology,
arctic marine geology and in middle atmosphere physics. >> more |
|
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Research plane Polar 5 on its way to new frontiers |
01.04.2009 |
|
|
 |
The research aircraft Polar 5 from the German Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
is currently on a campaign between Spitsbergen, Greenland, northern Canada
and Alaska. The goal is to measure sea ice thickness and atmospheric
variables in Arctic areas where no data are yet available.
>> more |
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High resolution modelling of Svalbard’s climate
and glacier mass balance 1957-2002 |
28.03.2009 |
|
|
 |
This project constitutes Jonathan Day’s Ph.D. research,
carried out in cooperation with the University of Bristol (Bristol Research
Initiative for the Dynamic Global Environment-BRIDGE) and the Norwegian
Polar Institute. The goal is to develop a regional climate model (RCM) for Svalbard, and to force this RCM with climatological data for the period
1957-2002.
>> more |
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Giant T-Rex of the oceans from Svalbard |
20.03.2009 |
|
|
 |
An international team of paleontologists has unearthed the partial skull of
a 15-meter-long marine reptile in Svalbard in summer 2008. Dubbed 'Predator
X', the marine reptile is a new species of pliosaur, an apex predator that
patrolled the Jurassic oceans 147 million years ago.
>> more |
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Norwegian permafrost database NORPERM online and ready for use! |
19.03.2009 |
|
|
 |
As a result of the IPY-project “Permafrost Observatory Project: A
Contribution to the Thermal State of Permafrost in Norway and Svalbard” (TSP
Norway), metadata, the actual temperature data and photographs from
monitoring sites in Norway and Svalbard can now be viewed and freely
downloaded.
>> more |
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More greenhouse gases in the atmosphere |
13.03.2009 |
|
|
 |
Measurements in Svalbard show that the concentrations of greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere are still increasing. The most striking increase shows
methane - in 2007 the highest concentration in Svalbard ever was measured.
Preliminary calculations indicate a further increase in 2008. >> more |
|
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|
Melting glaciers in Svalbard deliver additional
13 km3 water each year |
10.03.2009 |
|
|
 |
Amplified melting of small glaciers in the Arctic has largest impact on
changing global sea level. Fresh calculations based on the latest glacier
mass balance data from Svalbard show additional delivery of 13 km3
melt water to the ocean each year. >> more |
|
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|
Concluding document of the Kongsfjorden System Workshop now available |
04.03.2009 |
|
|
 |
In March 2008, SSF held a workshop on the marine ecosystem in Kongsfjorden.
The result is a document that initiates the Kongsfjorden System Integrated
Research Flagship, which for the first time coordinates the research
activities of 27 international institutions from 13 countries working in
Ny-Ålesund. >> more |
|
|
|
New arctic record of cold water temperature in Storfjorden |
03.03.2009 |
|
|
 |
Scientists from the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) and the Bjerknes
Centre for Climate Research (BCCR) found the coldest surface water ever
measured in the Arctic. >> more |
|
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|
The Governor sharpens routines for helicopter
rental |
03.03.2009 |
|
|
 |
In recent years, the demand for helicopter transport in connection with
research activities in Svalbard has increased. The Governor of Svalbard will
in future sharpen routines for use of helicopters.
>> more |
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|
Explosions in Svalbard - how to explore
geological structures |
27.02.2009 |
|
|
 |
Karoline Bælum, a PhD student from UNIS reports on her project funded by
Arctic Field Grant in 2008: Structural geology investigated by different
geophysical methods. The project runs in cooperation with Paleokarst and CO2
projects.
>> more |
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|
New guidelines for renting weapon for
self-defence in Svalbard |
25.02.2009 |
|
|
 |
The Governor of Svalbard works on changing the regulations for renting out
firearms for self-defence from polar bears in Svalbard. The new rules are
important for both scientists in the field, tour operators and individual
travellers.
>> more |
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|
What happens to copepods when an oil spill occurs |
20.02.2009 |
|
|
 |
In order to evaluate risks to the Arctic environment, there is a need for
ecotoxicology studies on the effects of crude oil exposure on Arctic
animals. Three large copepod species of the genus Calanus were chosen to
perform an experiment with exposure of copepods to various concentrations of
crude oil.
>> more |
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RiS now on Google Earth! |
19.02.2009 |
|
|
 |
Svalbard Science Forum in cooperation with the Norwegian Polar Institute has
launched a service that enables you to view all projects registered in the
RiS database on Google Earth.
>> more
|
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|
Arctic Field Grant - 2009 season |
11.02.2009 |
|
|
|
70 applications for
'Arctic Field Grant' were accepted for funding in 2009. As many as 26
researchers and 44 students have secured funds for this years' field work in Svalbard.
>> more
|
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Why does sea ice melt faster than the models can
predict? |
11.02.2009 |
|
|
 |
Christina Pedersen (NPI) and her colleagues investigate melt ponds on
sea ice surface to find out that their presence in summer months
substantially affect albedo and energy balance - something the Global
Climate Models (GCMs) struggle with. The team comes up with a new,
physically based sea ice-albedo parameterization scheme to be used in
ECHAM5 GCM.
>> more
|
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A scholarship in Norway for young researchers -
IS-MOBIL |
09.02.2009 |
|
|
 |
Highly qualified PhD students and young researchers from 25 countries
can apply to the Research Council of Norway for a scholarship for a
research visit up to 10 months in Norway during the academic year
2009-10.
>> more
|
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Winners and losers in marine ecosystems - climate
change affects them all |
06.02.2009 |
|
|
 |
Marine environment in Kongsfjorden is undergoing a transition due to
climate change. The effects might prove beneficial for some species but
not for all. MariClim project investigates how warm Atlantic waters and
their distribution around Svalbard influence marine ecosystems.
>> more
|
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|
IPY Polar Field School in Svalbard |
05.02.2009 |
|
|
 |
An interdisciplinary and international experience in polar studies. In
celebration of the IPY 2007-09 year, this 3-week credited course will
focus on environmental change in the Arctic and Antarctica through a
series of lectures and field excursions in Svalbard.
>> more
|
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|
Double diffusion in the marginal sea ice zone |
02.02.2009 |
|
|
 |
In the marginal zone of the sea ice melting of ice depends in the large
degree on the mixing processes in the ocean underneath. Anders
Sirevaag's PhD thesis presents the findings he's made in the Arctic.
>> more
|
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|
How do local sources of black carbon affect the climate in Svalbard? |
30.01.2009 |
|
|
 |
Black carbon (BC) affects the snow surface albedo of the Arctic, which in turn is an important
factor for warming in the Arctic. Borgar Aamaas (UNIS, UiO) estimates in his master thesis the impact of locally
and globally produced BC in Svalbard snow.
>> more
|
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|
New registration form for Kings Bay AS and the Kings Bay Marine Laboratory |
29.01.2009 |
|
|
 |
Kings Bay AS has launched a new registration form for scientists visiting Ny-Ålesund and projects that plan to use
the Kings Bay Marine Lab. It is the first registration system that uses the RiS database as source for information.
>> more
|
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|
Mercury in the Arctic |
23.01.2009 |
|
|
 |
Increased use of fossil fuel in the developing countries does not
automatically imply larger amounts of pollution in Svalbard. One of the
largest IPY projects - COPOL (Contaminants in Polar Regions) has not found
any evidence of higher mercury level in the Arctic environment so far.
>> more
|
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|
Spitsbergen Airship Museum open in Longyearbyen |
19.01.2009 |
|
|
 |
Spitsbergen Airship Museum in Longyearbyen was opened in November 2008.
It tells the stories of the three airship expeditions in the Arctic.
There are: Wellman Chicago Record Herald Polar Expedition on board of
“America” in 1907-09, "Amundsen-Ellsworth-Nobile, Transpolar Flight” on
board of “Norge” in 1926 and the ”Italia” expedition in 1928, as well as
the rescue expeditions following the 1928 expedition.
>> more
|
|
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|
An update on the ICEBOUND project |
16.01.2009 |
|
|
 |
The PhD-student Endre Før Gjermundsen from the University Centre in
Svalbard (UNIS) studies the extension and age of the ice sheet during
the last glaciation in Nordwest Spitsbergen and Atomfjellet area. >> more
|
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Third workshop on Ny-Ålesund flagship programme planned |
15.01.2009 |
|
|
 |
In May 2009, SSF will hold a workshop to initiate the 'Terrestrial Ecosystems'
Research Flagship
for Ny-Ålesund. Only invited researchers can participate the workshop, but all comments and suggestions are welcome.
>> more
|
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|
Next research step for Barents Sea: ECOBAR |
07.01.2009 |
|
|
 |
ECOBAR (Benthic Indicators for Monitoring the Ecosystem of the Barents
Sea) will develop indicators of contaminants and biodiversity,
considering both short and longer term ecosystem changes in the Barents
Sea, in context with projections for petroleum industry activities over
the coming decades. >> more
|
|
|
|
Changes in the natural environment of Sørkapp
Land |
19.12.2008 |
|
|
 |
An assessment of changes in both abiotic and biotic
environment has been produced thanks to the field investigations carried
out by the Jagiellonian University since 1982. The team did a comparison
studies this summer.
>> more
|
|
|
|
New demands for applications to the Governor of Svalbard |
18.12.2008 |
|
|
 |
From 1 January 2009, the Governor of Svalbard will
alter several routines and demands concerning permission application for
scientific field work in Svalbard.
>> more
|
|
|
|
Circumpolar synthesis of marine research at lower trophic levels |
17.12.2008 |
|
|
 |
Researchers working on the IPY-project CLEOPATRA
(Climate effects on planktonic food quality and trophic transfer in
Arctic Marginal Ice Zones) in Svalbard visited last week their
colleagues from the CFL-project (Circumpolar Flaw Lead Study) in Canada.
>> more
|
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|
Biology and climatology - Czech research in Petuniabukta |
16.12.2008 |
|
|
 |
Researchers from the South Bohemian University in
Ceske Budejovice study vegetation, fauna and climatic parameters in the
Billefjord area in the frame of the IPY-initiative 'Network for Arctic
Climate and Biological Diversity Studies' (ArcDivNet).
>> more
|
|
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|
Birdhealth - integrating natural and anthropogenic stressors |
15.12.2008 |
|
|
 |
Female eiders risk their health and survival by
using much of their body reserves for egg incubation and fighting
parasites. How does human impact add to this stress?
>> more
|
|
|
|
Observing the Arctic: International Summer School in
Longyearbyen, June 2009 |
12.12.2008 |
|
|
 |
NILU, The Norwegian Space Centre and UNIS offer a one week course on fundamentals of Earth Observation, Earth System Models
and Climate Change, and the latest developments, with a focus on the Arctic. Application deadline: 15 February 2009.
>> more
|
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|
Do geese bring the parasite Toxoplasma to Svalbard? |
11.12.2008 |
|
|
 |
During the last years, several arctic foxes are found dead from acute
toxoplasmosis in Svalbard. A PhD-work investigated whether migratory geese serve as vectors for the
parasite to Svalbard.
>> more
|
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|
SIAEOS project endorsed! |
10.12.2008 |
|
|
 |
The project 'Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth
Observing System' (SIAEOS) has been accepted as part of the updated
roadmap of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructure (ESFRI).
>> more
|
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|
|
The British Schools Exploring Society – Arctic science from a tent |
08.12.2008 |
|
|
 |
21 Young Explorers joined last spring the British
Schools Exploring Society (BSES) expedition to Svalbard and undertook
research into glacial extents, meltwater torrents, ornithology and
arctic ecology.
>> more
|
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|
|
2008 - a poor year for reindeers |
03.12.2008 |
|
|
 |
The project ”Demographic rates of Svalbard
reindeer, variation with age, sex and climate” conducted three field
work periods in Svalbard this year and concluded that 2008 was not a
good year for the reindeer in the study area.
>> more
|
|
|
|
Benthic foraminifera in Kongsfjorden - the BeFKon project |
01.12.2008 |
|
|
 |
Patrycja Ewa Jerna investigates with her PhD-project the response of protists
to primary production seasonality and the recent flow of warm and saline Atlantic waters into the Arctic.
>> more
|
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|
|
Rocket launch in Ny-Ålesund to study cusp irregularities |
28.11.2008 |
|
|
 |
Daytime auroras are associated with strong
backscatter in coherent HF radars and HF radio communication therefore
suffers greatly from auroral activities. A Norwegian rocket will now be
launched to study the instability mechanisms that drive this electron
plasma turbulence.
>> more
|
|
|
|
Mass balance measurements on a glacier at Jan Mayen |
26.11.2008 |
|
|
 |
In 2007, a glacier mass balance field program was
initiated at Jan Mayen with the aim to enhance the understanding of the
response of a highlatitude glacier to climate change by combining field
data and mass balance modelling.
>> more
|
|
|
|
Second Ny-Ålesund science flagship initiated |
25.11.2008 |
|
|
 |
Last week the Guiding Science Group for the flagship programme on atmospheric
research in Ny-Ålesund was established during a SSF-workshop.
>> more
|
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|
Ny-Ålesund science seminar as part of the ASSW in March 2009 |
21.11.2008 |
|
|
 |
In March 2009, the 10th Arctic Science Summit Week
(ASSW) will take place in Bergen, Norway. To celebrate the anniversary
an international symposium will be held and the Ny-Ålesund Science
Seminar will be an important contribution to it.
>> more
|
|
|
|
71 applications received for the Arctic Field
Grant |
21.11.2008 |
|
|
 |
The call of proposals for the Arctic Field Grant is now
closed. 72 applications have been submitted.
>> more
|
|
|
|
The KOLIBRI project takes off! |
14.11.2008 |
|
|
 |
August 2008, after three months of building and
testing, the Kolibri project launched its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
on Svalbard. As first official mission an aerial image of the ice wedge
research site in Adventdalen was taken.
>> more
|
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|
|
Svalbard Research Experience for Undergraduates |
05.11.2008 |
|
|
 |
The
Svalbard REU program focuses on understanding how high latitude
glaciers, melt-water streams, and sedimentation in lakes and fjords
respond to changing climate. Students and teachers from both U.S. and
from UNIS have visited Svalbard again in the summer 2008.
>> more
|
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|
|
Life goes on even in the darkness |
04.11.2008 |
|
|
 |
The
assumption that marine life in the Arctic Ocean hibernates in the winter
months has to be re-evaluated. Latest research shows that there are
marine organisms which lead surprisingly active life despite the
darkness.
>> more
|
|
|
|
Report from the field: Quaternary chronology
investigation |
31.10.2008 |
|
|
 |
Heidi Ryen
reports back from her fieldwork funded by the Arctic Field Grant in
2008. Incomplete sections of quaternary chronology were in focus of her
investigations along the coastline of Kongsfjorden.
>> more
|
|
|
|
Arctic Field Grant (Arktisstipend) - Call for
Proposals |
15.10.2008 |
|
|
 |
Svalbard
Science Forum, in cooperation with the Norwegian Polar Institute, will
award Arctic Field Grants in connection with research projects in
Svalbard in 2009.
Application deadline: 20 Nov 2008, 4pm.
>> more
|
|
|
|
Open Day at Svalbard Science Centre |
14.10.2008 |
|
|
 |
Come and
visit us during the Open Day at Svalbard Science Centre, Saturday 18th
October 2008, 12:00-16:00.
>> more
|
