Gustaf Hugelius Professor

About me

Professor and Deputy Head of Department at the Department of Physical Geography.  

Vice Director of the Bolin Centre of Climate Research. 

 

 

 

My teaching is mainly focused on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at basic and advanced levels. Our course programs emphasize applications of GIS and geomatics within Physical Geography and Environmental Science.

A lot of my teaching is within our Master's Programme in Geomatics with Remote Sensing and GIS.

 

My main scientific interest is the role of soils in the global carbon cycle. I have particularly worked with quantifying and characterizing stocks of organic carbon stored in permafrost and peatlands of Arctic and Boreal ecosystems, often combining field sampling with the use of Earth Observation data and spatial modelling.

I have had leading roles in several international research consortia, many with funding from the EU. Through collaborative efforts we strive to increase our understanding of climate-cryosphere interactions in different northern regions. I have organized more than ten expeditions to different Arctic regions and has extensive experience of synthesis science and leadership in International networks, including as Steering Group member of the Permafrost Carbon Network, co-chair of the International Soil Carbon Network and founding-leader of a Permafrost Carbon group in the the International Permafrost Association. I lead the work for the Permafrost region in the Global Carbon Project synthesis RECCAP project. I am contributing to the IPCC seventh assessment report as a lead author of chapter six within working group 1.  

 


NG | Permafrost thaw (ILLUQ)

The aim of this project is to provide a holistic understanding of permafrost thaw, pollution, and human and environmental well-being in the Arctic.

NG| Carbon Loss In Plants, Soils and Oceans (CALIPSO)

CALIPSO is aimed at understanding the fate of future CO2 and climate change through a new representation of carbon loss pathways from plants, soils and ocean, by leveraging novel observations, theoretical understanding, machine learning tools and integration of processes with Earth system models.

NG| Changes in Arctic Permafrost Ecosystem Services (CAPES)

Accelerating permafrost thaw in the Arctic drastically changes the ecosystem as a whole, which, in turn, impacts the everyday life of local communities and Indigenous populations. CAPES specifically focuses on the impact of climate change on populations living on permafrost in the Arctic using an ecosystem service approach.

Remobilization of Mercury from Degrading Permafrost Peatlands

Mercury (Hg) has been sequestered in Northern permafrost soils for thousands of years. If some of this Hg is released into Hg’s modern biogeochemical cycle, it could worsen Hg pollution and counteract global efforts to protect human and wildlife health from Hg exposure.