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SSF-Svalbard Science Forum

Using SVALGREEN for research and higher education - interdisciplinary cooperation in a Pan-Arctic perspective combining SIOS and GIOS

Awarded: NOK 0.25 mill.

The SVALGREEN project focus on optimizing the collaboration and thus use of the existing research infrastructures across the largest climatic gradient in the Arctic, between warm Svalbard and cold Greenland, as organised in the long-term SIOS (Svalbard Integrated Earth Observing System) and GIOS (Greenland Integrated Observing System) projects. Large investments have been made nationally in Svalbard and Greenland respectively over the last decade in these two projects, and the access to both research infrastructure, observations and data are highly improved through both of these projects. So far there has never been any coordinated regional research approach extending across the entire gradient from the terrestrial parts of Eastern and northern Greenland across the Fram Strait to Svalbard. We very much aim for this to happen as a direct outcome of the applied for workshop. However, now in 2022 a full regional scale dedicated approach to make interdisciplinary use of the entire gradient is, unfortunately, still completely missing. Studies across this gradient is of global importance for increasing the understanding of Earth System Science in all its spheres and can address both the present ongoing climatic changes and their effects on both the bio- and geospheres, to the longer-term geological development, as the basis for developing this unique gradient region. By establishing a joint regional large-scale research initiative providing access to the entire gradient, process understanding can be raised to pan-Arctic scale and thus place Svalbard research very clearly in a global perspective. The workshop will enhance and promote national and international cooperation by inviting representatives from all relevant institutions working in Greenland and Svalbard on Earth System Science and the political level in the region.

Funding scheme:

SSF-Svalbard Science Forum