SUBPERMAFROST GROUNDWATER, WESTERN SVALBARD

Subpermafrost groundwater aquifers are found in Ny-Alesund, western Sv albard. Recharge of groundwater takes place along the base of the near by glaciers, and groundwater flows in open bedrock fracture systems an d porous sedimentary rocks. A subpermafrost sandstone with a primary p orosity of more than 10% makes up a pore aquifer with a considerable s torability. The water dis charges into one of the old coal mines, with a flow rate of 11.5 l/s measured in the summer and fall of 1993 and 1 994. There was a considerable discharge during the winters 1993 and 19 94, a discharge making up nearly the whole annual water budget from th e upper part of the Vestre Lovenbreen. Similar situations are found in other places on Svalbard and may have an important influence upon the glaciers' hydrological regime. The groundwater system in Ny-Alesund i s manipulated by human activity. Outflow channels in the old coal mine s probably have increased discharge relative to an undisturbed system and may locally have melted the permafrost. The groundwater flow is an efficient mechanism for transferring geothermal heat, and may have an important influence locally upon the permafrost distribution on part of Svalbard.