As the COVID-19 pandemic moves toward its third year, among its wide-ranging effects are scientific research projects.
As part of an article in The Conversation, Associate Professor of Microbiology Karen Lloyd described the effects of missing a year’s worth of sampling—and likely a second year, as well—in her research project examining deep layers of permafrost in the Arctic.
Compounding the frustration of delayed field work is the ticking clock of climate change. The Norwegian site where the team had planned to collect samples has the some of the highest-latitude permafrost on the planet and had record high temperatures last summer. Rapidly thawing permafrost may make it impossible to carry out the planned research there as the delays continue. Read the full article on The Conversation.
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CONTACT:
Lindsey Owen (865-974-6375, lowen8@utk.edu)