After we had penetrated to a depth of one meter in both holes, which was done together with scientists from the University of Hamburg, we performed a thorough characterization of each recognizable soil layer. Categories such as "can be rolled out to half without breaking pencil thickness" and extensive color tables, which are used for many other things except classification of soil ensured active cooperation.

Following an extensive sampling of the various soil layers, we found out that it is quite another task to find out about the soil in the polygon, for which further laboratory tests in Hamburg and Potsdam will be necessary.

 

For the upper part of the polygon piercing rings are usually used, although many of the roots can only be reached by using pocket knives or Leathermans. The precious samples from the deeper frozen layers had to be broken laboriously with a chisel. Not so easy to do without breaking the whole nice chunk in the mud or contaminating the sample and making it unusable.

The most important part of the work for our group was though the installation of the sensors with which we will record in the coming years the temperatures, heat fluxes and soil water content in the smooth walls of our two wells. 

As part of the PAGE21 project we added also sensors to determine the oxygen content in the soil. With these sensors can be determined, for example, precisely the areas in which the soil, the dead organic material, is converted in to methane.

TWe can be pleased to know that all the sensors do their work as planned. The new measurement field is a good fit for the long, lonely and dark winter here on the island and will record all important developments, such as freezing and thawing of the ground for us.