Svalbard fieldwork: impact of permafrost thaw on ecosystem functioning and biogeochemical fluxes

James and Margaret are in Svalbard, together with Carlo Cardellini (University of Perugia, Italy) and Francesco Montemagno (University of Naples Frederico II, Italy), to study the impact of permafrost thaw on ecosystem functioning and biogeochemical fluxes. We are focussing on seven sites spanning Bayelva river to Midtre Lovénbreen glacier forefield, near the settlement of Ny-Ålesund. The project is in collaboration with Donato Giovannelli (University of Naples Frederico II, Italy) and funded by the Natural Environment Research Council's Arctic Access Scheme.