Seida cabinThe main aim was to find the tundra and taiga field sites where the extensive (chamber and tower) gas flux measurements are going to be carried out. The team consisted of Thomas Friborg (Copenhagen), Pertti Martikainen and Maija Repo (Kuopio), Martin Wilmking and Lars Kutzbach (Greifswald), Tarmo Virtanen (Helsinki), Steffen Holzkamper and I (Stockholm), and Vasily Ponomarev and Ludmila Khokhlova (Syktyvkar). Important criteria are relatively easy access, field logistics (power and housing), safety and, last but not least, representativeness for tundra and taiga. We also paid attention to the hydrological component, by assessing the nature of the river catchment at the possible flux sites.

Seida flux siteWestern partners flew to Syktyvkar (Sept 11) and on the next day we all took the long train ride (26 hours) to Seida (just South of Vorkuta). In the future, it will be possible to fly to Vorkuta but now we wanted the real experience! In Seida we were received by Alexander, Deputy Head of the Vorkuta Fishery Inspection, who escorted us to a nice cabin (with an adjacent sauna), which could be the CARBO-North base of operations for the tundra flux studies. In the next 24 hours, we visited potential sites near Seida.

We found a fantastic site, 6 km west of Seida, that can be characterized as a peat plateau with extensive thermokarst surrounded by upland tundra (and some minor patches of trees). We observed 5 m high peat walls collapsing into the ponds and it is clear that this site would be excellent for both chamber and tower flux measurements. Furthermore, the site is part of the Sedbyaga catchment, which could be the area for hydrological and other detailed assessments within CARBO-North. The main challenge is to bring in the power and provide some local infrastructure for the equipment (small cabin). These issues are presently under investigation.

Next, we left by train to Abez (in the forest-tundra). We had a memorable stay at the school internat for reindeer children. Near Abez, there was a large subarctic peat plateau with some upland tundra patches, surrounded by forest stands. A very good site as well, but lacking active permafrost collapse and maybe a little bit too far South. The great advantage was proximity to the village (only 1-2 km).

Laly research stationFinally, we proceeded South by train (and then car) to the Laly research station where the Komi Science Centre has been studying pristine forest ecosystems for some decades. This is just 1 hour North of Syktyvkar. We stayed quite comfortably at the cabins of the station, which also includes a sauna. We visited the installations in the forest, where the Komi Science Centre will conduct ecosystem flux measurements and also reached some very nice boreal peatlands (fluxes will be studied by Greifswald). Again, access and logistics will be key in determining the final flux sites. We also checked out the Achym River very near the station, which could be the object of hydrological studies.

These possible intensive study sites will be discussed at great length in the kick-off meeting!

All in all, a very useful and also enjoyable trip to Komi. Many thanks to Vasily and Ludmila for the excellent organisation. The long hours in the train provided excellent opportunity to discuss many (technical) aspects of the flux campaigns as well as an unique bonding experience.

More photos here
http://www.carbonorth.net/image/tid/34