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SSF-Svalbard Science Forum

Monitoring of the Longyearelva river and river delta focusing on the potential effects of climate change, Svalbard. RiS ID: 11641

Awarded: NOK 30,186

The aim of this project is to continue investigating and monitoring the hydro- and geological system and the dynamical changes of Longyearelva, Svalbard. It is a continuation of the 2020 project “Sediment Erosion and Transport in the Longyearelva catchment system, Svalbard” by Martin Løvaas, NTNU/UNIS. For data collection there will be two river-gauging stations maintained in the river, large controlled-sized rocks for bed-load monitoring will be placed in river sections, and a sediment catcher will be installed in the estuary. Repeated drone footage will be taken of the area for long-term monitoring of the river delta in the estuary of Longyearelva. This way it is possible to study what happens if climate change alters ocean and wave conditions in combination with present day water and sediment discharge.

Funding scheme:

SSF-Svalbard Science Forum