Thermal Dynamics of the Permafrost Active Layer in Ebba Valley (Central Spitsbergen) in the Years 2009-2012

During the period between s ummer 2009 and s umme r 2012 meas ure ments of ground temperature in active layer of permafros t were conducted. Studies were realis ed in Ebba valley (central Spits bergen). For this part of Svalbard archipelago dry polar climate type is distinc tive. Va riat ions in the ground temperatures had a typical cours e in the s umme r months but s ome s ignificant anoma lies were obs erved during winter periods . Ground thermal conditions are s trongly influenced by air temperature changes but vegetation cover and s ediment mo is ture are als o relevant. Studies show that active layer properties are s patially diffe rentiated and s election of repres entative meas uring pos itions is a comple x is s ue.