Join Dr. Oliver Sonnentag at VU Amsterdam on 20 November for a lunch seminar exploring Arctic ecosystems, permafrost thaw, and carbon and water cycling in western Canada. Register now!
The ASI Research Cluster Arctic Change invites you to a lunch seminar with Dr. Oliver Sonnentag, Professor of Atmospheric Biogeosciences at the Université de Montréal, Canada.
Join us for an engaging discussion on Arctic–boreal ecosystem change, permafrost thaw, and the dynamics of carbon and water cycling in western Canada.
Event details
- Date: Friday, 20 November 2026
- Time: 12:00–13:00
- Location: VU Onderzoeksgebouw (VO), Room 12B-51, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- Format: In person
- Lunch: Provided upon registration
About the seminar
In this presentation, Dr. Sonnentag will reflect on a decade of flux-centric ecosystem research across western Canada's Arctic–boreal region, with a particular focus on Trail Valley Creek, a tundra watershed at the forest–tundra ecotone.
He will examine how climate change, permafrost thaw, and disturbances are reshaping carbon, water, and methane cycling by integrating eddy covariance, chamber measurements, remote sensing, modelling, and Indigenous partnerships.
About the speaker
Dr. Oliver Sonnentag is Professor and former Canada Research Chair in Atmospheric Biogeosciences in High Latitudes (2014–2024) at the Université de Montréal.
His research aims to understand changes in surface–atmosphere interactions in response to increasing natural and anthropogenic pressures, with a particular focus on the Northwest Territories of Canada.
He uses micrometeorological measurements, including eddy covariance, alongside remote sensing and modelling techniques to investigate changes in Arctic–boreal ecosystem functioning and services.
Dr. Sonnentag is involved in several international research initiatives and programs, including AmeriFlux/FLUXNET, Permafrost Pathways, AWARE, Can-Peat, and NSERC CREATE LEAP.
About the ASI Research Cluster Arctic Change
The ASI Research Cluster Arctic Change brings together researchers from across Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and beyond to explore the complex challenges facing the Arctic. The cluster connects expertise across disciplines, from permafrost thaw and ecosystem dynamics to environmental protection, Indigenous peoples' rights, geopolitics, and Arctic governance.
Read more about the ASI Research Cluster Arctic Change here.
Registration
Participation is free, but registration is mandatory.
Lunch will be provided for registered participants. To help us plan catering and ensure sufficient food for everyone, please complete the registration form in advance.
Registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScY7t75ZnYRUuzph9qKdtUeJG1xABhejSrzPIzG1_tS9U5jcg/viewform
We look forward to welcoming you to the seminar!
