Relationship of permafrost with geomorphology, geology and cryospheric components based on geophysical research of the Hans glacier forefield and its surroundings. Hornsund, Spitsbergen.

The project will develop, implement, and benchmark of high-resolution quantitative data sets on permafrost in the southern part of Spitsbergen, enabling modelling of its current state and future changes. Until now, a comprehensive monitoring scheme of deep ground temperatures, which combines geophysical methods (GPR sounding, seismic imaging, and DC resistivity surveys) with the in situ measurements have not been demonstrated. The project will cover a profile from beyond the direct range of Little Ice Age glaciation, through the terminal and recessional moraines, up to uncovered, in the last decades ground after the recession of Hansbreen, to examine the effects of glacier retreat to the ground thermal regime. Our project will compile new high-resolution maps of key permafrost variables in the unglaciated area. The measurements will be taken mainly on Fuglebergsletta in the vicinity of the Polish Polar Station in Hornsund. The Station itself provides a unique long-term measurement record of climate variables and environmental parameters.

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