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SSF-Svalbard Science Forum

Obtaining important permafrost information from central Longyeardalen valley for developing a full-scale sedimentological model-RiS ID 11876

Awarded: NOK 78,999

This project aims to drill and sample a borehole in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, in order to create a sedimentological model for the sedimentary infilling of the Longyeardalen valley. Five boreholes were drilled in Longyeardalen in the fall of 2021 as part of the project “Developing a permafrost and meteorological climate change response system to build resilience in Arctic communities (PermaMeteoCommunity)”, RiS ID 11804. Three of these were in the upper part of the valley and two in the lower part. There were also six boreholes drilled in close proximity in the lower north-east part of the valley by L’Heureux et al (2017). No borehole data covering the entire sedimentary infill is available for the middle part of the valley. Hence, one deep borehole reaching the sedimentary bedrock is proposed here, to be drilled in the spring of 2022 with this AFG funding. The borehole will be drilled through the entire sedimentary column, collecting cores where potential fine-grained material is encountered. These cores will then be analysed in the laboratory to gain important knowledge on the ground ice and sediment characteristics, including geothermal and geotechnical parameters.

Funding scheme:

SSF-Svalbard Science Forum