A team of researchers from the Centre for Polar Studies at the University of Silesia in Katowice took part in another interdisciplinary expedition to Svalbard, continuing their long-term research on glacier dynamics and changes in the polar environment under the influence of global warming.
As part of this year’s expedition, carried out as part of the European research project LIQUIDICE (LinkIng and QUantifying the Impacts of climate change on inland ICE, snow cover, and permafrost on water resources and society in vulnerable regions, eu-liquidice.eu), scientists conducted field research including measurements of glacier mass balance, snow cover variability, permafrost thawing and runoff dynamics from glaciated catchments.
Maintenance and measurements were carried out on the river draining the Werenskioldbreen glacier. The river serves as the location of a hydrometeorological station providing data on water flow and sediment transport. In addition, geophysical measurements were carried out in periglacial areas, i.e. areas exposed by the retreating glacier. This data, combined with satellite information, will be used for further modelling and is crucial for a better understanding of freshwater inflow into the oceans and changes in the polar environment.
The scientists also observed geomorphological processes and conducted detailed mapping of glacial forms in the Nann Glacier area. This research was part of a project funded by the National Science Centre, which aims to reconstruct the extent of glaciers and the environment of southern Svalbard during the Holocene Climate Optimum.
As part of the project ‘Drone-based assessment of albedo variations in crevassed zones of southern Spitsbergen glaciers’ (Arctic Field Grant, AFG), flights were carried out using a drone equipped with measurement equipment over the crevasse zone of the Hans Glacier. Ground measurements were also taken to calibrate the data. The results will help determine the albedo distribution in this part of the glacier (the surface’s ability to reflect light) and better understand the impact of glacier structure on their melting.
At the same time, projects were carried out by doctoral students from the International Environmental Doctoral School (co-financed by jUŚt transition – The Potential of the University of Silesia as the Basis for a Just Transition of the Region), including observations of ablation processes in the front zone of the Hans Glacier and oceanographic measurements of glacial systems in South Spitsbergen.
The team consisted of: Elżbieta Łepkowska, PhD, Marta Kondracka, PhD, Michał Ciepły, PhD, Aleksandra Osika, MSc, Natalia Łatacz, MSc, Dawid Saferna, MSc, Dominik Cyran, MSc, Marcin Błeński and Maurycy Kot.
The research is part of the Priority Research Areas of the University of Silesia (POB 3): Environmental and climate change along with social challenges. Fieldwork support was provided by the BERA Science and Logistics Centre, and the research was conducted using the infrastructure of the Polish Polar Station in Hornsund and the Stanisław Baranowski Polar Station in Spitsbergen.
You can follow reports on the research and expeditions of the Centre for Polar Studies on social media: on Facebook and Instagram.
Preparations for a drone flight over the crevasse zone of the Hans Glacier | Photo by Marcin Błeński
