Date of Award
Spring 6-7-2026
Document Type
Thesis (Undergraduate)
Department
Earth Sciences
First Advisor
Marisa Palucis
Second Advisor
Hanne Christiansen
Third Advisor
Maaike Weerdesteijn
Abstract
The thermal state of the active layer and analysis of meteorological conditions provides a greater understanding of where active layer detachment slides can occur. This study provides an overview of the active layer ground thermal regime for 2024 and 2025 in Longyeardalen, Svalbard, where the largest settlement in Svalbard, Longyearbyen is located. Ground temperature data was extracted from 8 boreholes in Longyeardalen and meteorological data was extracted from one weather station in central Longyeardalen. Overall, the ALT thickness and the thawing period increased from 2024 to 2025 while the thaw rate remained the same or decreased. The zero-curtain effect was identified in all boreholes throughout Longyeardalen, implying that the active layer is susceptible to active layer detachments throughout much of the autumn.
Recommended Citation
Koelbel, Madeline Kim, "Identifying active layer dynamics across geomorphic landforms in Longyeardalen, central Svalbard" (2026). Earth Sciences Undergraduate Senior Theses. 5.
https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/earthsciences_senior_theses/5
