Interview: "Sediments exposed after glacial retreat may release nitrous oxide and CO2"

In this interview, iC3 master’s student Ida Köhn discusses her research on gas exchange in glacial forefields, her passion for fieldwork, and her creative approach to combining science and art.

Can you describe yourself and the focus of your research at iC3?

My name is Ida and I’m a guest master’s student writing my thesis with iC3, though I’m based at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. I’m working with Laura Rasmussen, a Marie Curie postdoctoral researcher at iC3.

My research focuses on the gas exchange between the atmosphere and sediment and soils in the glacial forefield in the valley of Steindalen in Lyngen Alps, Norway. I’m examining if there are differences in the heterogeneity of the forefield and the chronological exposure of surface areas due to glacier melting. This involves getting an understanding of how and if grain size distribution and exposure durations of sediments influence the release or absorption of gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O).

The goal is to provide insights into how these newly exposed landscapes contribute to broader atmospheric and ecological changes in the context of accelerating glacial retreat.

Picture: Laura Rasmussen (Left) and Ida Köhn (right) in the Lyngen Alps. Credit: Tim Kalvelage.

Why is this research important?

There aren’t many numbers on this yet, and as glaciers retreat more rapidly, large areas of land will be exposed to the atmosphere for the first time in a long while. We don’t fully understand what this means for the sink-source relationship of greenhouse gases in these landscapes. 

How is your work related to iC3’s objectives?

I hope to contribute, even in a small way, to one of iC3's goals, the development of the first reliable model that predicts how nutrients and carbon dynamics in ice sheet forefields influence the global climate. 

Can you share your academic background and how you transitioned from biology to atmospheric and ecosystem science?

I started with a bachelor’s in biology in Freiburg, Germany and later had an exchange at UiT and then UNIS on Svalbard. Through more than one year at UNIS I got new insights on active research and thought it was interesting that climate change has become a vital key word for research and funding proposals.

I felt that, if I want to relate my research to climate change, I should gain deeper knowledge than the average informed person. Therefore, I chose to do my master’s with a focus on atmospheric sciences at the University of Gothenburg. 

Picture: Ida Köhn sampling in Steindalen, Lyngen Alps, Norway. Credit: Tim Kalvelage.

What did you work on in Svalbard?

I participated in a project studying the insulating effects of mosses on permafrost thawing. Some mosses retain water and act as an insulating layer, slowing permafrost thaw, while others don’t.

Most of my stay I worked on a Svalbard reindeer project, examining whether the increasing reindeer population in Nordenskiöld Land affects vegetation composition. Despite a tripling in population size, we didn’t observe significant effects. Likely because the population hasn’t reached a critical threshold yet. I continued working as a research assistant on this project. 

Can you describe a memorable moment in your research or fieldwork?

Fieldwork in Svalbard showed me that it’s possible to combine science with outdoor exploration. It changed my perspective on what’s achievable in research and gave me confidence to pursue what I enjoy. 

Where do you see yourself after your master’s?

In the short term, I’d like to work as a fieldwork assistant to gain more experience and combine it with creative projects in the my spare time. Eventually, I’d consider pursuing a PhD if I find a project I’m passionate about.

Do you miss anything from your home country?

I miss the spontaneity and days that take unexpected turns of events. Here, planning is a little more necessary for everything one does. 

What does an ideal day off look like for you?

Spending time with people I enjoy. Or spending time by myself with thoughts or projects I find interesting. I feel like there are so many versions of a perfect day. 

Can you tell us about your exhibition, Frames in Resonance, and your interest in combining art and the Arctic?

The exhibition was the result of experimenting with sound recordings and using it as an amplifier to explore my perception of acoustic information in the environment. I started going on hikes with my recorder and headphones and put the gain on max to hear everything I had never paid attention to before.

It changed my visual perception as well. I ended up creating soundscapes and integrated them into self-designed sound frames, creating an immersive experience, using abstract photography as visual cues.

I like the idea of using sound as an indicator for change and in the Arctic there’s a lot of change to find.

Do you have future plans for similar projects?

Yes, I’d love to continue combining fieldwork with creative projects. So far, it looks like the next project will be in 2026. 

What’s one thing you’re looking forward to in the next year?

I’m excited to finish my thesis and transition out of the academic study phase. I’m looking forward to seeing what opportunities unfold, both professionally and personally.

Ida Köhn is an iC3 Masters’s student from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. To find out more about her work, please check out her list of publications, or contact her by email.