Introduction

Permafrost, or perennially frozen ground, underlies c. 25% of the continents' ice-free areas. The spatial distribution of permafrost in Sweden is still poorly known, but permafrost exists in northern Sweden and extends southward through the Swedish mountains. Permafrost has important interactions with landscape dynamics and engineering practices in cold regions. Because it describes a thermal condition of the ground it is sensitive to climate change, which affects the spatial distribution, thickness of the seasonally thawing active layer and the physical, chemical and biological dynamics in the permafrost and active layer. Such changes interact with slope hydrology and stability, catchment sediment fluxes, ecosystem dynamics and atmosphere interactions, human infrastructure and engineering and sustainable livelihoods of nordic communities.

 

A Swedish permafrost group

Swedish scientists have for many decades contributed to the development of permafrost science. At a meeting dd 11 April 2005, in Lund, the formation of a Swedish permafrost group was discussed. Present at the meeting were Jonas Åkerman (convenor), Peter Kuhry, Jan Boelhouwers, Margaretha Johansson and Britta Sannel. The group identified the need for a better communication amongst permafrost scientist in Sweden and its representation in the International Permafrost Association ( http://www.geo.uio.no/IPA/ ). It was decided to establish an interim committee that will work towards a more formal group affiliated to the IPA. This website will function as a communication portal in order to

• Provide a first contact point for scientists, students and engineers with an active interest in Swedish permafrost studies;
• Provide information on the development and activities of the Swedish permafrost group;
• Disseminate information on ongoing research actvities by its members;
• Report recent research outputs
• Provide links to international meetings and activities

We invite you to join this network by signing up as a member and providing us information about yourself and your work.

Please contact Jan Boelhouwers ( jan.boelhouwers@natgeog.uu.se )with your information and contributions and comments on this website or its content. For technical aspects contact the webmaster Hanna Ridefelt ( hanna.ridefelt@geo.uu.se ).