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Project information
Observing Earth Critical Zone processes in the Bayelva basin (CZO@Bayelva)
Call year: 2019
Status: active
IADC_id: 121
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Project description:
The project “Observing Earth Critical Zone processes in the Bayelva basin” studies the dynamics, formation and evolution of soils, of the water cycle and of Critical Zone (CZ) and ecosystem processes in the area of the Bayelva basin southward the Kongsfjorden (W archipelago), close to the NyAlesund village. The main goal of the Critical Zone Observatory at Bayelva (CZO@Bayelva) is to define how climate change is affecting the fundamental life-support system of terrestrial ecosystems, including changes in biogeochemical and hydrologic cycles and in the chemistry of the water and dissolved gases (in particular CO2) released to the ocean. The project, intended to last for several years, has two main parts that will be developed sequentially: rn(a) Understand the effects of micro-topography and small-scale environmental heterogeneity on soil and vegetation processes, on the properties of the Critical Zone and on carbon fluxes between soil, vegetation and atmosphere. This research activity will focus on the area roughly between the Climate Change Tower (CCT) and the road/airport, because of its proximity and the strong small-scale heterogeneity of this site. The installation of a new, permanent eddy covariance measurement system at the CCT will provide a broader view of the carbon and water fluxes/exchanges. In 2019, we shall conduct several field measurements in this area to address the issue of small-scale heterogeneity.rn(b) Understand the effects of deglaciation on the Critical Zone, focusing on the upper portion of the Bayelva basin. Here, permafrost degradation is affecting the existing CZ, and the areas formerly occupied by a glacier are witnessing the formation of a new active soil layer. We will focus on the area formerly occupied by the retreating Vestre and Austre Brøggerbreen glaciers. These CZ measurements will allow for monitoring, studying and characterizing some of the changes taking place in the Arctic soil-vegetation-water system, and for understanding how soils are formed in areas where glaciers are retreating and the water cycle is being modified. In 2019, we shall conduct a survey to identify the possible measurement sites.
National/International Cooperation:
Cooperation with the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE); the European Long-Term Ecosystem Research Network; Critical Zone Exploration Network (CZEN); H2020 Project ECOPOTENTIAL.
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