Busy September at Svartberget Research Station!
From 19th to 26th September, 30 PhD students from 7 countries arrive to Vindeln for the Watershed Ecology and Biogeochemistry course 2024. Over six intense days, students participated in presentations, poster discussions, and field visits, enhancing their understanding of key topics such as:
- Fundamentals of watershed science
- Riparian biogeochemistry and ecology
- Forestry in the boreal region and water quality
- Wetlands
- Aquatic processes
- Spatial and temporal scaling and modeling
Following this, the 21st Krycklan Symposium took place in Umeå and Svartberget, attracting over 130 participants. The event featured three sessions of presentations, a poster session with more than 20 pitches, and ample networking opportunities. Three keynote speakers were hosted for the event:
- Chris Soulsby on modeling water storage–flux–age interactions
- Lenka Kuglerová on protecting streams by better defining ecological targets
- Gerard Rocher Ros on future research into methane emissions from northern streams and rivers
A field excursion was attended by 30 participants, who explored the research infrastructure at Svartberget, including SITES Water, SITES AquaNET, ICOS, and other Krycklan Catchment installations.
Additionally, dr. Xanthe Walker from Northern Arizona University and her team visited Svartberget research stations. Walker and her tam are studying the influence of tree species on soil carbon cycling across boreal forest ecosystems. They selected Svartberget infrastructure as one of their research locations, alongside sites in the USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland.
Lastly, wo projects have recently commenced. The first is in collaboration with SMHI and it involves the collection of samples to study tritium and helium levels in stream and groundwater. In the second project, SGU is using the site to investigate PFAS movement in precipitation, surface water, and groundwater. Both projects are in the early stages and will continue through the winter and into the following year.
Introductory presentation by Professor Hjalmar Laudon at the 21st Krycklan Symposium (photo: Johannes Tiwari)
ICOS Engineer Eric Larmanou presenting the ICOS Tower (not in picture) (photo: Eliza Maher Hasselquist)