Presenter(s): Natalie Weaver − Math
Faculty Mentor(s): Dave Sutherland
Poster 192
Research Area: Natural Science
In recent years, many components of the cryosphere have experienced rapid decline as global temperatures continue to increase. My project will focus on two of these components: Arctic sea ice and permafrost in the Norwegian archipelago Svalbard. Using data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center and the NORPERM Permafrost Database, I will explore whether there is any correlation between Arctic sea ice extent and permafrost temperature at several locations in Svalbard. Finding a correlation, if it exists, is important because while sea ice can be measured easily by satellite, gathering data on permafrost is much more challenging. When permafrost thaws, it releases large amounts of methane into the atmosphere, which reinforces a feedback loop of global warming, endangering even more permafrost. If we can use sea ice cover as a proxy for permafrost health, we can become more aware of this global threat and take steps to prepare for its consequences.