Vegetation mapping of Svalbard utilising Landsat TM/ETM+ data

Abstract

The overall objective of this paper is to present and discuss the most recently developed vegetation map for Svalbard, Arctic Norway. The map is based on satellite images in which several Landsat TM/ETM+ images were processed through six operational stages involving: (1) automatic image classification, (2) spectral similarity analysis, (3) generation of classified image mosaics, (4) ancillary data analysis, (5) contextual correction, and (6) standardisation of the final map products. The developed map is differentiated into 18 map units interpreted from 37 spectral classes. Among the 18 units separated, six of the units comprise rivers, lakes and inland waters, glaciers, as well as non- to sparsely vegetated areas. The map unit 7 is a result of shadow effects and different types of distortions in the satellite image. The vegetation of the remaining eleven units varies from dense marshes and moss tundra communities to sparsely vegetated polar deserts and moist gravel snowbeds. The accuracy of the map is evaluated in areas were access to traditional maps have been available. The vegetation density and fertility is reflected in computed NDVI values. The map product is in digital format, which gives the opportunity to produce maps in different scales. A map sheet portraying the entire archipelago is one of the main products from this study, produced at a scale of 1:500,000.

Spatial patterns of goose grubbing suggest elevated grubbing in dry habitats linked to early snowmelt

“…In the High-Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, Norway (62 700 km 2 ), 85% of the land is covered by glaciers, barren rocky or sparsely vegetated ground, while the remaining 15% is vegetated (Johansen et al 2012). Our study area was located in the north-eastern part of the peninsula of Nordenskiö ld Land on the archipelago's largest island, Spitsbergen.…”

“…Using a 0.25-m 2 sampling frame, we recorded whether grubbing was ''present'' or ''absent.'' The habitat type of each sampling plot was classified into one of the 18 habitat types described for Svalbard by Johansen et al (2012). See Table 1 for details regarding the habitat classification and re-grouping of habitats for statistical analysis.…”

Demography of a Reintroduced Population of Evermann's Rock Ptarmigan in the Aleutian Islands

“…Svalbard is covered by 15% of vegetated land, 85% glaciers and barren ground (Johansen et al 2012). The study area is mountainous with peaks reaching 1200 m a.s.l.…”

“…Hansen et al (2013) documented negative growth rates in Svalbard rock ptarmigan in years with frequent ROS. Glaciers and barren ground (85%) cover large parts of the land areas in Svalbard (Johansen et al 2012) and only 4% of the available land areas provide medium to good breeding habitats for ptarmigan (Pedersen et al 2007, unpubl.). Since the migration of ptarmigan during winter most likely is related to search for the best feeding grounds, the movements during winter could be highly stochastic depending on where to find nutritious food plants and the frequencies of ROS events in time and space.…”

Distribution and population characteristics of the soil mites Diapterobates notatus and Svalbardia paludicola (Acari: Oribatida: Ceratozetidae) in High Arctic Svalbard (Norway)

“…The distribution of D. notatus and S. paludicola was determined in revised vegetation classes of the Svalbard vegetation map (Johansen et al 2012) and given in Fig. 2 .…”