Life and work on Disko Island, GreenlandA short experience report by Selina Undeutsch, PhD student in the MOMENT project

28 August 2023

Photo: UHH/L.Birringer

For about a month, since the end of July 2023, I have been in the study area four times a week to measure methane fluxes at the soil surface, but I have been outside almost every day.

We measure the methane fluxes at four different sites in the vicinity of a moraine: two sites are located in front of the moraine, one in the so-called "mudboils" (vegetation-free circular structures typical of permafrost regions) on the moraine and the last one in the valley behind the moraine. Laura Birringer has also been here on Disko Island since early August. She is studying methane fluxes in the mudboils as part of her master's thesis. Karl Kemper and Mike Thayne from GFZ measure the methane fluxes at the water surface of the lake and the rivers.

At the beginning of August, we had to protect ourselves with mosquito nets during field work, but by now the mosquitoes are all gone. While working in the field it is always nice to enjoy the wonderful landscape. If time permits, we always explore the area a bit on measurement days and go further into the valley, but we have also hiked up one of the surrounding mountains. I bought a fishing rod and if there is time after a field day, I like to go fishing in the sea and the red river. Also, a minke whale was caught by the Greenland fishermen and we bought and tasted its meat. It tastes very ferruginous and its taste is more reminiscent of deer than fish.

It is very exciting to watch this place change for a whole season. And finally, I am already very curious about my measurement results and all the results of the other project participants.