Svalbard Environment Monitoring System at UNIS

The intensification of human impact on the environment has reached unprecedented levels, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Arctic. The repercussions of these processes are readily observed, emphasizing the urgent need for collecting environmental data through automated monitoring stations. Access to this information is crucial in order to comprehensively comprehend the ongoing changes. This is particularly significant due to the challenging conditions faced by human presence in the polar regions, where harsh environmental factors constantly necessitate adaptation to new circumstances. 

For three decades, scientists from The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) have been collecting Arctic environmental data. Throughout this period, numerous installations have been established, varying in their duration. While some installations have become more permanent fixtures, others may only endure for days, weeks, or even a single season. Weather data play a crucial role in both day-to-day activities and long-term perspectives. Recognizing their significance, researchers at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) are actively working on expanding their network of automatic weather stations (AWS) in the region. These AWS units are designed to collect essential parameters such as air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. Moreover, some stations are equipped with specialized devices like net radiometers, pyranometers installed at various angles, Eddy Covariance systems, methane probes, thermistor strings in bore holes, photosynthetic active radiation meters, icing detectors, and snow depth meters.