Detailed mapping of the active layer and top permafrost organic carbon pool and potential carbon release in central Svalbard

In order to investigate spatial distribution and size of permafrost soil carbon pools in central Svalbard, soil samples will be taken in spring 2014. Data from earlier fieldwork (2013) is available to be combined into a detailed map of carbon pools for th e area, which has not been done before. The approach of (additional) winter fieldwork to obtain a large amount of samples from a bigger area is new for this line of permafrost carbon pool inventories. This project will generate an estimation of the amount of carbon stored in soils in central Svalbard, a map of distribution of the carbon pools, additional samples and data for Niels Weiss' PhD project (Stockholm University) and to explore fieldwork methods and possibilities for permafrost carbon studies.