Martin Riska

Hello, I am Martin, and I was really lucky to be part of ongoing research in Montreal, organized by the PermaIntern program and hosted by the University of Montreal. At my home university in Uppsala, Sweden, I had intensive and advanced glaciology and permafrost research programs. I had the amazing opportunity to conduct experimental simulations in the lab as part of this internship. Not only was I able to test permafrost under different conditions, but I also applied my theoretical knowledge about its behavior during freezing and thawing periods. During the internship, which lasted from November 2024 to the end of January 2025, we performed a series of experiments in Geocryolab.

Why is studying permafrost so important? In the Arctic region, thawing permafrost is becoming a critical environmental issue, as it can release trapped methane and GHGs from the soil and create a positive feedback loop that accelerates climate change. By studying permafrost, we can better understand its behavior under different climatic conditions.

In the Geocryolab, we were able to mimic natural conditions by using a cold room, a specialized part of the lab designed to reach extremely low temperatures. For our purposes, sometimes we worked at -30°C. Warm winter clothes, gloves, a hat, and a hot drink were necessary equipment for our daily work in the lab. These low temperatures allowed us to form permafrost within a few days, which we then used to observe, monitor, and analyze during the thawing process.

My role in the lab involved working with samples, preparation of a mass movement cell filled with sand, ensuring the sand is saturated. After removing the cell from the cold room, internal temperature was measured and recorded, along with changes in moisture levels though various depths. Once the experiments were completed, we analyzed and processed the collected data.

The atmosphere in the lab was truly positive, with many researchers and students actively involved in the work. Preparing the permafrost cell and designing their technical aspects required detailed planning and consultations with experts to achieve the desired outcomes. Students from the University of Montreal also participated, testing various sensors and studying the long-term results from the experiments, which was a great experience to cooperate together. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Daniel Fortier and Vincent Langlois for their great support and exceptional guidance throughout the project.

During my internship, we established multiple setups for permafrost testing. A huge amount of data was produced and recorded during this time, which will be analyzed further to improve simulation models for similar future projects. The practical experience I gained in the lab is invaluable, and I will definitely use it in the next phase of my studies. I highly recommend this internship program to anyone interested in permafrost research - it’s a truly valuable and enriching experience!