Brief Communication: Future avenues for permafrost science from the perspective of early career researchers

Abstract

Abstract. Accelerating climate change and increased economic and environmental interests in permafrost-affected regions have resulted in an acute need for more directed permafrost research. In June 2014, 88 early career researchers convened to identify future priorities for permafrost research. This multidisciplinary forum concluded that five research topics deserve greatest attention: permafrost landscape dynamics, permafrost thermal modeling, integration of traditional knowledge, spatial distribution of ground ice, and engineering issues. These topics underline the need for integrated research across a spectrum of permafrost-related domains and constitute a contribution to the Third International Conference on Arctic Research Planning (ICARP III).

Stability and biodegradability of organic matter from Arctic soils of Western Siberia: insights from <sup>13</sup>C-NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis

“…biodegradability, chemical composition and humification degree) is needed (Fritz et al, 2015). The current state of knowledge estimates soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks of 1307 Pg (uncertainty range between 1140 and 1476 Pg) throughout the northern circumpolar region (Hugelius et al, 2014).…”

“…More specifically, soils are now being seen as a key component of the carbon cycle (Bruun et al, 2015;Debasish-Sasha et al, 2014;Muñoz-Rojas et al, 2015;Novara et al, 2015;Parras-Alcantara et al, 2015;Peng et al, 2015;Wasak and Drewnik, 2015;Yu et al, 2014). This is especially the case for Arctic soils, as they contain maximum stocks of soil organic matter (SOM) within the whole pedosphere (Fritz et al, 2015;McGuire et al, 2009;Oliva et al, 2014;Ping et al, 2015;Zubrzycki et al, 2014). Low temperature and high moisture conditions have favoured the accumulation of large amounts of organic matter in permafrost soils over thousands of years (Schirrmeister et al, 2011;Zubrzycki et al, 2013).…”

Stability of soil organic matter in Cryosols of Maritime Antarctic: Insights from 13-C NMR and electron spin resonance spectroscopy

“…However, maritime Antarctica is different from the other regions of Earth by the high influence of seabirds and seals on soilforming processes as they provide additional sources of biogenic elements and significantly change the chemistry of soils. Seabird and seal colonies significantly change biotic activity in marine terraces of maritime Antarctica (González-Guzmán et al, 2017). Periglacial features are dominant on Fildes Peninsula (King George Island; Lopez-Martinez et al, 2012).…”

The Permafrost Young Researchers Network (PYRN) is getting older: The past, present, and future of our evolving community

“…Former members, now mentors, take part in PYRN workshops, informally comment on and are involved in PYRN social media activities, and become involved in large research projects. This community has articulated a strong permafrost research vision (Fritz et al, 2015) and has proposed future collaborative avenues for early-career and senior scientists. Ultimately, a PYRN Alumni Network is envisioned to give a forum to PYRN members from all generations, many of whom connected as young researchers during IPY 2007-2009.…”