SvalDEM - Glacier Observatory through 3D models
A database of glaciers and their forefields in the changing High Arctic
RiS ID 11775r
The aim of this iEarth funded project (101060101 DIKU-SFU) is to:
- Improve research-based learning,
- Generate a resource contributing to explorations of catchments in Svalbard,
- Improve our understanding of the rate of environmental changes in glaciers and their forefields,
- Perform new environmental monitoring.
Created 3D models are available for use whenever a glacier recession, glacier - groundwater coupling or geomorphology of proglacial environments are discussed.
In addition, with SvalDEM aims to create an environmental monitoring database for:
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1. Svalbard glaciers that are rarely visited by researchers
2. Svalbard glaciers that are vital for the local community of Longyearbyen: Bogerbreen which is a drinking water source for the town and visitors; Longyearbreen and Larsbreen which are the primary water sources into Longyearelva and therefore point of interest in geohazard research and risk management and mitigation.
3. DEMs are accompanied by students’ data on glacier thickness, thermal regime, hydrology and biogeochemistry of surface freshwaters within the catchment. Thus, create a wider spectrum of environmental information on the state of the changing High Arctic glacierised catchments