Student Research Reports
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Changes in Land Cover Impact Temperature and Active Layer in Subarctic Regions
Organization(s):University Of Alaska Fairbanks - IARC
Country:United States of America
Student(s):Stevi R. Schmierer
Grade Level:Undergraduate
GLOBE Teacher:Christina Buffington
Contributors:
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Precipitation, Surface Temperature, Soil Moisture - Gravimetric, Soil Temperature
Presentation Poster:
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Optional Badges:I make an Impact
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:12/13/2021
This research project looks at the relationship between land cover, permafrost and soil in the
subarctic region of Fairbanks, Alaska. Permafrost acts as barrier holding water near the surface,
creating poorly drained marshes with thick moss layers that act as insulation. In 1908 a section of
black spruce forest -near the UAF campus -was clear cut for agriculture purposes transforming
the land cover from black spruce to birch trees, ultimately increasing permafrost thaw. The
thawing of permafrost in this area created huge mounds in the forest known as the “bicycle
bumps.” How does the loss of permafrost affect soil moisture and soil temperature? Transect soil
moisture samples were taken on October 31, 2021 at the permafrost location and November 1,
2021 at the thermokarst location. Snow depth, snow surface temperature, and soil temperatures
5cm and 10cm were also taken at both locations. The results showed a connection between land
cover and snow depth, further gravimetric soil samples are needed for measurable soil moisture
data. Going forward, addition gravimetric soil samples should be taken during summer months,
with no snow cover. Additional tests on leaf litter and snow pack comparison for thermokarst and
permafrost sites would be useful.