Perma-Nordnet (permafrost research)

The Perma-Nordnet research network aims to take on an important role in permafrost research, addressing the relation between thermal, bio-geochemical and hydrological processes. The task of the network is to initiate and catalyse such efforts, as well as to build, carry forward and tighten existing co-operations between the network members.

Illustration: Perma-Nordnet research network

About the network

The Perma-Nordnet will address the relation between thermal, bio-geochemical and hydrological processes in permafrost. Permafrost, or permanently frozen ground, is an important element of the terrestrial cryosphere, which also includes glaciers and snow. Permafrost is defined as ground which is permanently frozen for at least two consecutive years. Frozen ground will be and has been in the past affected by climate change on time scales of decades to centuries. Thawing permafrost can locally increase geohazards, especially in mountains along the west coast of Norway, and trigger changes in the hydrological and biological cycles. Thawing permafrost also has the potential to amplify climate change through an increased release of methane and carbon dioxide from the microbial decomposition of previously frozen organic material.

Modelling of permafrost

In the Nordic countries, there is a lack of co-ordination and knowledge transfer on this field, especially related to numerical modelling of thermal and hydrological processes related to frozen ground. Perma-Nordnet will initiate and catalyse such efforts, as well as to build, carry forward and tighten existing co-operations between the network members.

The key instrument will be courses on PhD level, and workshops, where both established researcher and students can meet for scientific exchange. The research network will also facilitate exchange between Nordic universities.

Cooperation

The network is a cooperation between a wide range of institutions:

More information about the members in the network

Funding

The funding for the Perma-Nordnet (permafrost research network) was from NordForsk, Nordic Council of Ministers with duration from 2011 to 2014.

Tags: Permafrost, Climate change, Cryosphere, GHG, Geomorphology
Published Sep. 3, 2012 3:45 PM - Last modified Feb. 28, 2023 1:23 PM