Mission in Alaska

The EOSystM team is embarking on an exciting research expedition to the Arctic as part of a collaborative effort with the WeatherinGeochemistry lab at UCLouvain and the Ecosystem Dynamics Research lab at Northern Arizona University.

Two researchers from the EOSystM lab, Prof. François Jonard and  Eléonore Du Bois d'Aische, are set to embark on this mission. The team will conduct remote sensing, geophysical, and geochemical measurements at the Eight Mile Lake experimental site located in Interior Alaska, just outside of Denali National Park. This expedition, scheduled from September 8th to November 1st, is part of the LandSense project and is partially funded by the FNRS.

The main objective of the mission is to investigate the influence of permafrost thaw on soil hydrology during the rapid Arctic transition from late summer to early winter. Permafrost, the permanently frozen ground found in polar regions, plays a vital role in our understanding of climate change. It stores large amounts of carbon, and its thawing can release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Understanding permafrost dynamics is crucial in addressing the challenges of a changing climate.

Our team of experts will be using advanced drone sensors and geophysical techniques to conduct measurements above and below the land surface. This innovative approach allows for detailed data collection while minimizing the impact on these fragile ecosystems.

"We are excited about the possibilities that drone technology offers for our research," says François Jonard. "The expedition should provide valuable insight that will deepen our understanding of permafrost and its role in the global climate system. "

Stay tuned for updates from the field as our team embarks on this exciting journey to unravel the secrets of permafrost in the beautiful landscapes of Alaska.