| Kilpisjärvi Biological Station |
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 Contact Details Kilpisjärvi Biological Station Location Kilpisjärvi biological station is situated in the NW part of Finnish Lapland (69º03' N, 20º50' E) on the shore of Lake Kilpisjärvi at 475 m a.s.l. and at the crux of Finland, Sweden and Norway. Climate Mean temperature in January: -14.1º C Biodiversity Wide range of ecosystems from mountain birch forest at low altitude (480-600 m) to alpine tundra. Human Dimension Reindeer husbandry, tourism and research dominate. Species Performance Long-term data on patterns and performance of plants and animals exist. General Research Long term studies on small rodents have been carried out for more than 50 years. Population dynamics of passerine birds have been monitored since 1957. Long term research projects also include periodicity in the quality and quantity of vegetation in the mountain region. The specific long-term studies are backed by more extensive studies on climate, vegetation, soils, rodents, birds and predators etc. The Kilpisjärvi Biological Station is the Finnish representative in the international tundra experiment (ITEX). Existing Data Bases Bibliography of publications arising from research at the station, climate records, biological data on plants and animals. An Example of Key Findings The performance of passerine birds is mainly influenced by cold weather. Global warming affects positively many breeding parameters, e.g., egg size. Egg size of the Pied Flycatcher has increased which, in turn, has increased nesting success. History and Facilities The station was officially opened in 1964 and is owned by the University of Helsinki. Accommodation capacity is about 35 persons, besides the permanent staff of seven persons. The station has a separate log cabin, Kalela. This cabin consists of four rooms, a kitchen and a sauna. Meals are served daily at the station. Laboratories have supply of electricity, gas, compressed air and running water, and are equipped with refrigerator, ovens, spectrophotometer, micro- and macroscales, microscopes, centrifuge, pH- and conductivity meters, thermometers etc. The library contains zoological, botanical and geographical handbooks. Telephone, fax, copy machines and computers with access to email and internet are provided. Transportation The station is easily accessible by air or bus (via Rovaniemi). Within two hours car journey there are two airports, Enontekiö in Finland and Tromsö in Norway. Also Kiruna airport in Sweden lies relatively nearby. |