Permafrost DrillingDrilling enables us to look for permafrost and ground ice. When permafrost and ground ice is found we measure the depth and can decide to collect a core. Drilling also enables us to validate our GPR surveys.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) SurveysThe GPR is used to map subsurface conditions. With this method we can find the top of permafrost table and identify the presence of ground ice. Drilling is done to validate interpretations of the GPR data and ground coring can measure ground ice content.
Soil SurveysWe are using soil surveys to understand how the upper 1 m (~3.2 ft) of soil evolves over time when land (particularly land containing permafrost) is cleared for agriculture.
|
Permafrost CoringCollecting permafrost cores allows us to characterize soil properties (e.g. texture) and measure ground ice content.
Dendro-geomorphologyWhen trees lean due to thawing ice-rich permafrost that generates subsidence, they create reactionary wood that gets incorporated into trees rings, enabling us to date the timing of the permafrost thaw.
|
|
Surveys and InterviewsWe distribute an annual survey to our farmer-collaborators to help us plan field logistics and learn more about their farm and agricultural practices. We also have plans to conduct a wider-community based survey to learn about the greater permafrost-agroecosystem community. We are also conducting interviews to better understand the personal, economic, and social experiences permafrost-agroecosystems.
|
Education and OutreachPermafrost Grown is creating diverse outreach and education materials including an interpretive sign of our Great Mulch Study at the UAF Georgeson Botanical Gardens. We have also produced hand outs and an activity sheet that can be found on our publications and media page.
|