Send message to Authors

Poster Short Abstract

We present a co-designed citizen science framework for snow isotope sampling in Scandinavia. A 2025 test in Norway showed high kit pick-up but relatively low returns, highlighting tensions between scale, engagement, and community. Insights will guide the larger 2026 citizen science campaign.

Poster Abstract

Snow plays a crucial role in Scandinavian water systems. Too much snow can increase the risk of flooding during rapid melts, while too little can contribute to water shortages later in the year. Understanding these extremes is vital for communities and decision-makers, but existing models struggle to capture future changes. Within the ISOSCAN project, we use water isotopes to better model how water moves through the landscape and to improve future predictions.

To gain large-scale isotope data, we co-designed a scalable citizen science framework for surface snow sampling. The framework was developed iteratively with scientists, citizens, active nature users, and representatives of the tourism and leisure sector in Tromsø, Norway, emphasizing simplicity, accessibility, and two-way interaction. In spring 2025, we conducted a first test, inviting locals and tourists engaged in winter outdoor activities to collect samples using an easy-to-use kit supported by instructions, a web form, and an outreach website.

Initial results showed that while many participants collected kits, many did not return them. Because no personal data were gathered, follow-up communication and community building proved difficult. This highlights a core tension in designing scalable frameworks: balancing reach and inclusivity with engagement, and sustained participation. To be effective, scalability must still consider ownership of the citizen science process by all those involved – citizens and facilitators. The poster will describe the design of the framework and its underlying co-design considerations, the results of the first test, and insights to guide the larger citizen science implementation planned for 2026.