3.17. The Challenges of Arctic Infrastructure

26 March 2025 | 13:30 - 18:00 (MDT)

Open Session - HYBRID

Room: UMC Second Floor - 247

Organisers: Alexandra Meyer (University of Vienna); Peter Schweitzer (University of Vienna); Olga Povoroznyuk (University of Vienna); Vera Kuklina (George Washington University)

Zoom link to the Session (password-protected)

The password needed to connect to the session will be distributed the day prior to the start of the sessions to all registered conference participants. Further guidelines on how to participate virtually in the ASSW 2025 can be found on the ASSW 2025 website.

Session Description:

This interdisciplinary session delves into the unique challenges and future possibilities of Arctic infrastructure, encompassing perspectives from the social sciences, engineering, natural sciences, and the arts. The Arctic's extreme climate, permafrost, and remoteness impose significant obstacles on infrastructure development. Despite many ambitious plans for Arctic development, the realization of projects is often hindered by limited community engagement and logistical challenges. From a societal perspective, different stakeholders can see infrastructural development either as a blessing or as a curse, depending on the type of entanglement with a particular infrastructure and the opportunity to participate in governance processes.

The session will explore what distinguishes Arctic infrastructures from those in other regions, focusing on the interplay between the harsh physical environment of the Arctic and socio-economic factors. Building on the efforts of the IASC Research Initiative RATIC, this discussion aims to foster innovative approaches and actionable insights for identifying the challenges of Arctic infrastructure development. We invite papers that address socio-economic, environmental, technological, and artistic aspects of Arctic infrastructure, emphasizing the need for collaborative processes such as co-imagining, co-creating, and co-planning to envision sustainable infrastructural futures

Instructions for Speakers: Oral presentations in this session should be at most 8-minutes in length, with an additional 2 minutes for questions (unless more detailed instructions are provided by session conveners). See more detailed presenter instructions here.

Oral Presentations - Part 1 (13:30-15:30 MDT):

Arctic Transport Infrastructures: Between Global Drivers and Community Needs — Peter Schweitzer

Peter Schweitzer ¹; Olga Povoroznyuk ¹
¹University of Vienna, Austrian Polar Research Institute

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

Recent developments in the Arctic – from increased resource extraction to militarization, tourism and shipping – necessitate the construction or upgrading of transportinfrastructures in this relatively remote, inaccessible and scarcely-populated part of the world. While these large-scale infrastructures are mostly sponsored by outside interests, they can have profound impacts on localresidents. The ERC project “Building Arctic Futures: Transport Infrastructures and Sustainable Northern Communities” (InfraNorth) focuses on how residents of the Arctic, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, engage with these infrastructures, and examines the intended and unintended consequences these projects have on their lives. The challenge is to understand whether existing and planned transport infrastructures will support permanent human habitation and sustainable communities in the Arctic, or whether they will strengthen a trend of substituting permanent with temporary residents. Toward that end, we have been conducting ethnographic research (including interviews, surveys, demographic analyses, and some scenario building workshops) in communities in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, Sweden and Finland. This presentation is an attempt to go beyond these case studies and to try to draw preliminary conclusions on a pan-Arctic level. The intersecting lines of comparison will relate to types and configurations of transport infrastructures, regional similarities and specificities, as well as patterns of economic and political control. The question is whether there are “lessons learned” as to how to bring local community needs into conversations and decision-making processes about Arctic transport infrastructure projects driven by national agendas and global processes.
Russian energy megaprojects: infrastructural violence against Arctic Indigenous communities — Stanislav Ksenofontov

Stanislav Ksenofontov ¹
¹ARCTICenter, University of Northern Iowa

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

This presentation aims to synthesize an existing academic and gray literature on Russian energy megaprojects, their past, present and potential impacts on Indigenous communities in Sakha Republic, Northeast Siberia. The presentation will employ the concept of infrastructural violence as an analytical tool and describe energy megaprojects along with their infrastructural facilities often portrayed as beneficial and benign, but which may inflict violence on fragile ecosystems and vulnerable Indigenous communities. Using megaprojects of “East Siberia-Pacific Ocean” as well as the “Power of Siberia” as a case study, the presentation will examine the tenuous yet increasingly detrimental forms of infrastructural violence that take place in southwest regions of Sakha Republic where Indigenous Evenki and Sakha hunters, fishers, herders and gatherers reside.
The Case of Rovaniemi Airport: Navigating Military Expansion and Tourism Growth — Ria-Maria Adams

Ria-Maria Adams ¹
¹University of Vienna, Arctic Centre/University of Lapland

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

Airports in Arctic regions are essential transport hubs, connecting local residents, tourists, military operations, and cargo. Rovaniemi Airport began operations in 1940, but the outbreak of the Continuation War the following year led to the airport being handed over to German military forces. After reopening for passenger traffic in 1948, the airport has undergone multiple expansions and developments. Since the 1980s, winter tourism and air travel have surged, reaching a peak during the 2023/24 winter season, with up to 8,000 passengers arriving daily from 25 direct destinations (Pylkkänen, 2023). Today, in addition to its role as a passenger hub, the airport has gained strategic importance as a military base. While tourism has steadily increased, military activities have also gradually grown since 1973. Finland's accession to NATO in 2023 has brought further attention to these activities. Although the military presence is less visible than tourism, both operate simultaneously within the same physical space. This presentation will explore how Rovaniemi Airport's dual role impacts the lives of local residents, drawing on ethnographic insights gathered as part of the ERC-funded InfraNorth project.
Connecting Arctic Priorities (CAP): NNA-CO CAP Portal status and development — Hannah Bradley

Hannah Bradley ^1,4; Jason Young ^2,4; Bessie Lea Weston ^3,4; Risa Madoff ⁴
¹University of Virginia; ² University of Washington; ³ Meq unguvatkarput; ⁴ Infrastructure Futures Convergence Working Group

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

The CAP Portal is an organized collection of reports and documents written by Arctic Communities, tribes, and Indigenous organizations. The NNA-CO provides this collection to facilitate awareness of Arctic Peoples’ priorities and values, which may serve to inform Arctic research planning and meaningful engagement. The ownership of the documents in this collection remains with the Tribes, Arctic communities, and Indigenous organizations who created and authored them. The database is meant to supplement existing strategies for engagement. NNA-CO launched the CAP Portal in November 2022, after a process of consultation and feedback from ICC, Kawerak, other Indigenous organizations. Analysis of the contents of the database in February 2024 by the Navigating the New Arctic Community Office “Infrastructure Futures” Convergence Working Group showed that of 52 items in the database, Alaska is the most well-represented region, with Kawerak authoring 9 of 23 Alaska-focused documents. Of the Alaskan documents, 15 are from Northwestern or Arctic, 6 from Southwestern, 1 from Southeast, and 1 statewide. Research guidance was the most common theme tag. Additional tags on some documents, or additional categories, could provide more comprehensive metadata and improve search-ability. Promoting uploads by more regions and sectors could greatly increase the scope and potential of the CAP Portal. Understanding potential use cases of this online portal will help shape future outreach to promote the CAP Portal.
Reconfiguring Infrastructures, Revisioning Futures: The InfraNorth Scenario Workshops in Kirkenes — Olga Povoroznyuk

Olga Povoroznyuk ¹; Peter Schweitzer ¹; Alexandra Meyer ¹
¹University of Vienna, Austrian Polar Research Institute

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

Kirkenes, a borderland town, also known as the capital of the Barents Region, played an important role in Arctic cooperation after the fall of the Iron Curtain. It was an iconic example of how good neighborly relations with Russia could lead to promising future opportunities. Those included business and tourism projects, cultural events, and joint infrastructural initiatives facilitating mobility and exchange between the countries. The seaport of Kirkenes was expected to turn into an international hub for the transport of minerals and other resources from West Siberia to Europe via the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The planned Arctic Railway should have linked Kirkenes with Rovaniemi and, therefore, with the Finnish railway system and European markets. Although both projects were put on hold because of the lack of economic prospects (and because of Sami protests in the case of the railroad), they continued to be publicly debated up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Since the beginning of our fieldwork in Kirkenes, many of our interlocutors have been expressing their feelings of frustration, lost opportunities, and uncertainty. Therefore, in September 2023, we teamed up with the Barents Institute and other local institutions to organize two scenario workshops within the InfraNorth project focusing on transport infrastructure and sustainable Arctic communities. This paper discusses the results of these workshops, including local visions of possible and desirable futures expressed there. They include scenarios for infrastructural development in the context of rapid environmental, socio-economic, and geopolitical changes faced by local residents Kirkenes and the Sør-Varanger Municipality.
Co-development of a publicly accessible repository of Alaska housing designs — Georgina Davis

Georgina Davis ¹; Todd Nicewonger ²
¹National Renewable Energy Laboratory - Alaska; ² Department of Engineering Education, Virginia Tech

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

Like much of the United States, Alaska faces a three-fold housing crisis: aging housing stock, rising costs, and low production. In 2022, fewer than 2,000 units of an estimated need of nearly 28,000 were built. It is estimated that Alaska housing entities take a year and spend more than $100,000 to have a single home designed and approved by a design team. Any multi-pronged solution should include streamlined access to shovel-ready home designs that meet the state’s unique environmental and logistical challenges and are appropriate for Alaska’s diverse cultures and lifestyles. In response, an interdisciplinary and technically diverse team of anthropologists, Alaskan Native community members, cold climate housing engineers, architects, economists, and builders are working together to bring an open-source, online housing repository to fruition. This state-wide repository will make Alaskan construction information more accessible and designs easier to compare by region, climate zone, and geological area. This presentation—built on NSF-funded research, including interviews with residents of remote Alaskan communities and previous efforts to consolidate design-build information—will explore this project’s primary goals of minimizing redundancy among federally funded home-building projects, expediting the informal work that public housing specialists engage in for new builds, and highlighting what comprises successful Alaskan housing designs.
Reindeer mobility from-everywhere-to-everywhere in northern Finland — Colin Wren

Colin Wren ¹; Iida Melamies ²; Viola Ukkola ²; Karl Mertens ³; Florian Stammler ²; John Ziker ³
¹University of Colorado Colorado Springs; ² University of Lapland; ³ Boise State University

Format: Oral virtual

Abstract:

Patterns of reindeer mobility over time are of interest to Finnish reindeer herders in Lapland, Finland. Reindeer herders perceive that climate change and industrial development in the region are restricting reindeer migration corridors and seasonal pastures. Reindeer herders in the Sattasniemi paliskunta (district association of reindeer owners) in northern Lapland use GPS collars to track their herds throughout the year. As part of our knowledge co-production in our NNA project, the paliskunta has provided reindeer GPS collar data for us to analyze in order to answer questions about recent changes in reindeer migration patterns.

We use a From-Everywhere-to-Everywhere (FETE) approach to model mobility of reindeer through the region as a way of understanding connectivity of pastures and possible changes in seasonal migration routes in light of recent and on-going industrial development. We use reindeer mobility friction estimates for different land cover categories, estimates of nutritive value of vegetation, topographic slope, and presence of mining and forestry to model more frequently-used corridors of movement through the region.

This paper will summarize the results of our analysis and our joint interpretation with members of the paliskunta. Implications for future climate change scenarios and industrial development on reindeer health and socio-economic sustainability of reindeer herding as a way of life will be discussed.
Diversified farms of Northern Finland at the time of green transition and related infrastructure development — Mia Landauer

Mia Landauer ^1,2; Henri Wallén ¹
¹Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, Finland; ² Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP), Sweden

Format: Oral virtual

Abstract:

Infrastructure development in northern Finland driven by green transition affects the operational environments of local diversified farms by requiring land for new roads, energy projects such as wind farms, mining projects, and related transmission lines. Diversified farms integrate agriculture or reindeer herding with tourism operations, local food production and sales, or other forms of local entrepreneurship, such as machinery contracting. Trails, wilderness areas, and pristine natural settings may be compromised or transformed by expanding road networks, reducing the quality of the outdoor experience and deterring nature-based tourism. While improved transport and access via road transport may enhance market reach and reduce logistical costs, they can also disrupt traditional land use, reduce available arable land, affect ecological balance, fragment landscapes, and have impacts on scenery. However, they can also provide new opportunities, such as for machinery contracting or improving access to recreational areas, making them more appealing to visitors.

We examine the trade-offs between the need for infrastructure to support economic development and the imperative to maintain sustainable land use practices that safeguard natural and cultural resources critical to diversified farming in northern Finland. The analysis particularly focuses on these trade-offs from the perspectives of justice and social-ecological resilience. We use a mixed methods approach, including participatory GIS (PPGIS) and scenario-building techniques. Participatory scenarios are co-developed through workshops in which a cross-section of a community consisting of experts, representatives of public administration, private companies, and local farmers participate in sharing and deliberating on visions and future options for operational environments.
Permafrost thaw and the perceptions of the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway — Susanna Gartler

Susanna Gartler ¹
¹University of Vienna, Austrian Polar Research Institute

Format: Oral virtual

Abstract:

Based upon a research need expressed by Indigenous research partners, this study examines the multifaceted impacts of the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH) on local communities. Building on prior research related to the ITH's planning and construction, several years post-construction and post-pandemic, this paper presents results on the short- and mid-term consequences of the ITH on regional communities in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and the Gwich'in Settlement Area. Data collection for this study involved (expert) interviews, informal conversations, and participant observation. Major perceived benefits arising from the ITH include economic benefits throughout construction and maintenance and due to tourism, as well as improved connectivity to the Inuvik hospital and between settlements in general, and better access to the culturally significant Imaryuk (Husky) Lakes. At the same time, narratives detailing challenges associated with the ITH appeared. These include the question if the central promise i.e., a reduced cost of living, has materialized; as well as increased substance availability, which has raised concerns about the roads’ implications for health and well-being, and criticism regarding the enormous building and operational costs of the highway, where flooding and other disruptions due to permafrost thaw happen regularly. The disruption of moose and caribou migration routes are also viewed critically by some. The paper offers a comprehensive examination of the ITHs socio-cultural, economic, health and environmental impacts, highlighting both its benefits and challenges, and contributes to the growing body of literature on Indigenous Peoples’ involvement in, as well as perceptions of, Arctic infrastructure projects.
Alaska's Arctic Security Complex and Evolving Dynamics in Nome — Brandon Boylan

Brandon Boylan ¹
¹University of Alaska Fairbanks

Format: Oral virtual

Abstract:

Over the past few decades, scholars, practitioners, and activists have expanded the concept of security beyond strict nation-state and military definitions. Concurrent to these conceptual developments, the Arctic has become a distinct region of study, with its own environmental, cultural, political, and economic identity. In this paper, we apply a holistic interpretation of security to Alaska’s evolving Arctic space. Theoretical concepts of securitization and human security inform a novel matrix of various levels and types of security. Levels range from the local and communal to the international, while types include physical, military, economic, environmental, and cultural security. The matrix serves as a tool to differentiate and synthesize security in a variety of contexts, notably in Alaska’s Arctic. To illustrate the utility of the matrix, and to present a more complete picture of the security environment of the region, we analyze the current expanded port project in Nome, Alaska. In this case, we evaluate the ways in which the proposed project illustrates the complexity of and multiple perspectives on security, while also examining the new challenges of security in a rapidly changing environment with a diverse set of interests focused on the Bering Strait region. This exercise reveals how the expanded port project might remedy some security challenges but exacerbate others.

Oral Presentations - Part 2 (16:00-18:00 MDT):

GIS inventory of green spaces for climate adaptation in the urban Arctic: engaging science, community, and arts — Victoria Miles

Victoria Miles ¹; Vera Kuklina ²; Olga Povoroznyuk ³; Olga Kisseleva ⁴; Olga Zaslavskaya ⁵; Diana Khaziakhmetova Khaziakhmetova ⁶
¹Nansen Environmmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC); ² The George Washington University; ³ University of Vienna; ⁴ The Art Science International Institute; ⁵ International Alternative Culture Center; ⁶ University of Arizona

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

Climate change is causing rapid warming temperatures, melting permafrost, and shifting weather patterns in the Arctic. These environmental changes transform the landscape and threaten ecosystems, human settlements, and livelihoods. Understanding how these changes affect urban areas is crucial for developing effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. The ARCA project combines social science, climate research, and the arts in collaboration with Fairbanks, Anchorage, Tromsø, and Kirkenes communities.

Urban green spaces (UGS) are vital for climate adaptation, as they help mitigate rising temperatures, improve air quality, promote biodiversity, enhance community well-being, and provide social and cultural value. Recognizing and preserving these spaces is crucial for climate adaptation efforts. Remote sensing and GIS are crucial for the ARCA project, enabling data collection in areas with limited on-the-ground observations. This technology combined with GIS helps monitor urban microclimates, assess vegetation health, and provide insights into UGS distribution, size, and biotic state. Community input is central to the ARCA project. Through a GIS-based survey, we gather residents' insights into how they value UGS for their ecological functions, cultural values, and social significance. Artistic collaboration enhances projects by offering innovative ways to visualize urban environments and enrich our understanding of people's emotional connections to arctic green spaces.

This interdisciplinary approach, blending natural science, social science, and the arts, strengthens our climate adaptation and mitigation framework. It demonstrates how urban green spaces in Arctic cities can be both natural resources for adaptation and important cultural assets.
Permafrost stability in and around two North Slope Borough communities — Vladimir Romanovsky

Vladimir Romanovsky ¹; Dmitry Nicolsky ¹; Colby Wright ¹; Louise Farquharson ¹
¹University of Alaska Fairbanks

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

The impact of climate warming on permafrost and the potential of climate feedbacks resulting from permafrost thawing have recently received remarkable attention. Climate warming promotes an increase in permafrost temperature and active layer thickness, which in their turn affect the stability of northern ecosystems, threaten infrastructure and cause the release of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. The timing and rate of permafrost degradation are two of the major factors in determining the anticipated negative impacts of climate warming on the Arctic ecosystems and infrastructure. The results of permafrost and active layer temperature observations (from the surface down to 1.5 m) at two North Slope Borough communities of Wainwright and Utqiagvik will be presented in this paper. Ground temperatures were measured both in natural conditions around the villages and under residential and commercial buildings to estimate the impact of infrastructure on permafrost stability. The ground temperature dynamics near the erosion bluffs at Utqiagvik will be also presented. To enhance our understanding of possible future rates and pathways of permafrost degradation and to predict the consequences to local residents, accurate high spatial resolution permafrost models are needed. The establishment of these models are possible only by integrating available high-resolution environmental data and by the assimilation of existing field and remote sensing data and observations into these models. The use of high-resolution (30x30 m) stand-alone permafrost dynamics GIPL2 model will be discussed to illustrate how changes in climate and further development of infrastructure will affect permafrost and people in this area.
Spatiotemporal variance of ground temperature metrics across an Arctic urban community: Analyzing differential micrometeorology in Utqiaġvik, Alaska — Mirella Shaban

Mirella Shaban ¹; Howard Epstein ¹
¹University of Virginia

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

Infrastructure affects micrometeorological variables by altering the energy budget of the ground surface at fine spatial scales. Variations in micrometeorology within urban Arctic areas may reveal vulnerability of permafrost at certain locations due to warmer ground temperatures. We evaluated infrastructure effects on micrometeorology in Utqiaġvik, AK, where a winter heat island effect has been observed. High resolution micrometeorological sensing of ground temperatures and moisture contents from 0 cm - 90 cm, near surface air temperatures, solar radiation, and wind dynamics has been conducted from June 2022 - present in Utqiaġvik. Ground temperature data were related to daily averaged solar radiation, wind dynamics, and air temperature to assess the meteorological drivers responsible for variability across measurement sites, and differences in these drivers across sites and seasons. Comparisons between urban vs. tundra sites, among urban sites, and north vs. south aspects showed notable spatial differences in ground temperatures, up to ~4 °C. Thaw dates at 30cm depth in 2024 differed by up to 12 days across aspects at the residential site, and by up to 4 days between urban sites at their southern aspects. At most locations and depths, spring thaw occurred earlier in 2024 compared to 2022. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) suggests differences in driving meteorological factors across aspects and among seasons at the residential site for summer and fall of 2022, where southern aspects present greater solar radiation and warmer temperatures, and northern aspects present with wetter, windier, and colder conditions.
The SEDNA Project: A platform for permafrost internships across the Arctic – and more — Frederic Bouchard

Frederic Bouchard ¹; Julie Malenfant Lepage ²; Ylva Sjöberg ³; Hanne Christiansen ⁴; Stephanie Coulombe ⁵; Robin Zweigel ⁶; Anna Pekinasova ⁷; Iver Martens ⁸; Jean-Pascal Bilodeau ⁹; Samuel Gagnon ¹⁰; Tristan MacLean ¹¹; Mikkel Hornum ¹²; Sebastián Ruiz-Pereira ¹³
¹Universite de Sherbrooke, Canada; ² Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway; ³ Umeå University, Sweden; ⁴ The University Centre in Svalbard, UNIS, Norway; ⁵ Polar Knowledge Canada, Canada; ⁶ University of Oslo, Norway; ⁷ University of Calgary, Canada; ⁸ UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Geosciences; ⁹ Université Laval, Canada; ¹⁰ Canadian Permafrost Association, Canada; ¹¹ NSERC PermafrostNet, Canada; ¹² University of Copenhagen, Denmark; ¹³ Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

The project called « Student Education, Development of professional skills and Networking across the Arctic (SEDNA) – Permafrost Networking Platform » is an international, pan-Arctic initiative dedicated to students and early-career scientists working in the broad field of permafrost science. There are significant challenges in Arctic infrastructure development and maintenance, yet most academic programs offer very few courses specifically focused on frozen-ground conditions. Therefore, there is a need for students to acquire knowledge about permafrost and skills adapted to the Arctic environment through internships in industry, universities and research centers. The SEDNA project focuses, first and foremost, on the development of national and international permafrost professional exchanges (internships) for students at all levels of higher education, including Indigenous peoples. In addition, SEDNA also aims at providing a central platform for all permafrost-related topics, such as courses, education and communication initiatives, with a special focus on early-career permafrost scientists. SEDNA-supported students/trainees will act as enthusiast ‘permafrost ambassadors’ across the Arctic and beyond. Supported by Memorial University and the University of the Arctic (UArctic) through the Global Arctic Leadership Initiative – Indigenous and Northern Collaborative Research and Education Fund, the SEDNA project brings together multiple permafrost professionals, research centers and groups, as well as governmental agencies and companies with the mission to provide opportunities for real-world experiences of professional work on permafrost. Building on previous work conducted across the Nordic region (PermaIntern; 2022-2024), the SEDNA Permafrost Networking Platform will integrate partners from Canada, including Northern/Indigenous community members (as Arctic trainees and mentors).
Trade-offs and attitudes towards risk when farming on permafrost — Tobias Schwoerer

Tobias Schwoerer ¹; Glenna Gannon ²; Melissa Ward Jones ²
¹International Arctic Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks; ² University of Alaska Fairbanks

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

The climate-driven northern expansion of agriculture is sometimes viewed as an adaptation to climate-driven challenges of agriculture in lower latitudes. Yet, cultivation in northern latitudes also brings new challenges related to the hidden natural hazards of thawing permafrost, including subsidence when permafrost is ice-rich, that threatens farm infrastructure and livelihoods. We present examples from Interior Alaska, where we partnered with nine small-scale farmers to assess attitudes toward risk and co-produce research needs and mitigation strategies for farming on permafrost. We analyze attitudes towards risk in the context of farmer motivations, access and size of markets, adaptation strategies, resilience, and trade-offs and opportunities arising from environmental change driven by rapid climate change. Our findings show that increasing food security and a strong sense of independence are motivating factors for small-scale farmers in the North. Northern farmers have developed unique adaptation strategies to overcome limited access to markets, take advantage of climate-driven changes, and reduce risk through social networks in the absence of crop and other farm-related insurance coverage. Research needs on permafrost mitigation strategies and policy implications related to the northern expansion of agriculture are discussed.
Integrating Snow and Meltwater Management in Arctic Urban Design: Preserving Permafrost Through Collaborative Research in Utqiaġvik, Alaska — Matthew Jull

Matthew Jull ¹
¹Arctic Design Group, Arctic Research Center, University of Virginia

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

This research explores an integrated approach to urban design in Arctic regions, emphasizing snow and meltwater management in preserving ice-rich permafrost and ensuring the stability of buildings and infrastructure. Focusing on Utqiaġvik, Alaska, it addresses challenges such as increased meltwater and permafrost thaw due to climate change. Snow serves as an insulator in winter but can also hinder permafrost cooling, while meltwater retention can increase soil temperatures and impact ground stability. Effective management is crucial for maintaining thermal balance and preventing infrastructure destabilization. The first phase of this study characterized existing permafrost thaw and degradation using environmental sensors and satellite imagery. The second phase validated these findings through field observations and stakeholder interviews, identifying strategies for effective management in targeted sites. Design studios at the University of Virginia School of Architecture tested these strategies, analyzing buildings, infrastructure, snow management tools, topography, and drainage systems. A unique aspect of this research is its close collaboration with the North Slope Borough Public Works, where snow and meltwater management strategies are aligned with their technical knowledge, equipment, and operational methods. Preliminary findings emphasize that citywide drainage studies and strategic snow management are vital for mitigating permafrost degradation in Arctic communities. An integrated design approach that considers urban design, building placement, and the relationship between ground and infrastructure can reduce snow drifting and meltwater pooling, helping to maintain permafrost stability. These outcomes, along with further field testing, provides a pathway for addressing climate change impacts and contributing toward sustainable futures for Arctic communities.
A System Modeling Approach for Seismic Resilience of Arctic Infrastructure and Social Systems — Majid Ghayoomi

Majid Ghayoomi ¹; Elham Ajorlou ¹
¹University of New Hampshire

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

As the Arctic faces increasing environmental challenges due to climate change, the need for resilient infrastructure is more urgent than ever. Addressing this issue requires expanding resilience modeling beyond technical aspects to include social and ecological dimensions that better reflect real-world complexities. This research, conducted under the Arctic, Climate, and Earthquakes (ACE) project as part of the NSF’s Navigating the New Arctic (NNA) initiative, focuses on the seismic resilience of Arctic infrastructure and communities. The ACE project adopts an interdisciplinary approach, and integrates knowledge from engineering, social sciences, ecology, and community feedback to develop a holistic resilience framework. This convergence research combines diverse perspectives and emphasizes co-production of knowledge through collaboration with Arctic communities and stakeholders. A system dynamics modeling (SDM) framework captures the feedback loops within social, ecological, and technical dimensions of infrastructure by incorporating unique interconnected stressors in the Arctic: seasonal changes, permafrost degradation, and seismic vulnerability. This interdisciplinary and collaborative effort is critical for developing effective adaptation strategies that enhance the long-term sustainability and seismic resilience of Arctic infrastructure, while improving social preparedness and community training in the evolving environmental conditions.
Tools to estimate ground surface subsidence for thawing ice-rich near-surface permafrost — Dmitry Nicolsky

Dmitry Nicolsky ¹; Mohammad Islam ¹; Vladimir Romanovsky ¹; Colby Wright ¹; Louise Farquharson ¹
¹University of Alaska Fairbanks

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

Climate warming poses an immediate hazard for infrastructure located on the ice-rich near-surface permafrost in the Arctic. As the seasonal thaw depth reaches ice-rich material, the ground loses its weight-bearing capacity, and surface subsidence occurs. Here we present an updated version of the Geophysical Institute Permafrost Laboratory heat transfer model that includes numerical tools to estimate subsidence rate and talik formation across a range of conditions in the built and natural environment. The model is verified using Neumann-type solution to the 1-D Stefan problem. The model consolidation properties, e.g. the excessive ice content can be assumed based on cryolithology. We have conducted simulations of ground subsidence for several climate scenarios related to the Alaska North Slope conditions including a range of natural conditions under IPCC RCP 4.5 and 8.5. This tool will be made available to land managers and policy makers to better understand potential subsidence across different conditions.
H2-based power-to-power energy systems for Arctic Regions — Massimo Santarelli

Massimo Santarelli ¹; Marta Gandiglio ¹; Paolo Marocco ¹; Vito Vitale ²
¹Politecnico di Torino; ² Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP) Italian National Research Council (CNR)

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

Energy storage systems (primarily electrical, but also thermal) for long (seasonal) times are necessary for the decarbonisation strategy in general, but in particular (and with greater urgency) in remote sites to free them from expensive and complicated supply chains import of fossil fuels. The talk first describes the experiences on hybrid H2-battery systems for remote sites, with special focus on the already developed 3 installations in the EU as part of the H2020 REMOTE project. Moreover, the talk will present the design calculations for the installation of larger systems to cover native communities in the Arctic area of Canada. Finally, the talk will describe how these systems, in small-scale configuration, can be applied for a long-term energy supply service to Automatic Climate Stations installed in the Arctic countries: we are developing in our labs (in close collaboration with CNR (Italy)) a PV/Wind-fed H2-battery energy system for ACS, and in the next year we will install a system of this type in Svalbard (SIOS Award 2023).
Barriers to EV adoption in the Arctic—charting an equitable path forward — Jennifer Schmidt

Jennifer Schmidt ¹; Michelle Wilber ²; Tobias Schwoerer ²; Savannah Crichton ²
¹University of Alaska Anchorage, Institute of Social and Economic Research; ² University of Alaska Fairbanks

Format: Oral in-person

Abstract:

The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is an international impetus to transition from vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EV). While this transition is happening rapidly in some regions of the world that are mainly urbanized, other predominately rural and less developed regions are slower to adopt this technology. Rural Alaska serves as an example with its not-road-connected communities, high cost of electricity, extreme environmental conditions, and isolated power grids often powered by diesel. This study’s objectives were to identify barriers and perceived benefits towards EV adoption and explore EV adoption rates across the Arctic. We conducted two community workshops in Bethel, Galena, and Kotzebue, Alaska, USA (n = 45) and interviews with the communities’ private and public sectors (n = 31). Among workshop attendees, 60% indicated they would be interested in replacing their ICE with an EV. The top five impediments to EV adoption are the inability to maintain vehicles locally, cold weather performance, higher purchase prices compared to ICE vehicles, and the cost of electricity. The successful adoption of EVs requires investments in charging infrastructure, climate-relevant proof of concept, appropriate financial incentives, and affordable EVs for low-income households, and EVs to replace various vehicle types aside from cars and trucks. Residents acknowledged that EVs generally operate much cleaner than vehicles with ICE, can have lower fuel and maintenance costs, and cause less noise pollution. Policy implications for overcoming the challenges related to the transition to EVs in remote rural parts of the globe are discussed.

Poster Presentations (during Poster Exhibit and Session on Wednesday 26 March):

Mapping Indigenous-Owned Alaska Native Regional Corporations’ Economic Influence in the Alaskan Tourism Industry — Vincent Pellegrino

Vincent Pellegrino ¹
¹George Washington University

Format: Poster in-person

Poster number: 227

Abstract:

Alaska has always attracted people from lower latitudes seeking to explore “The Great Land”, and in recent years its tourism industry has been growing after a strong rebound from COVID-19 related travel shutdowns as many seek their “last chance” to visit glaciers and spot wildlife before they disappear due to our warming climate. As tourism booms in Alaska, it is important to consider who is profiting from the revenue tourism is bringing to the region and its territories and waters, since many of them have traditional homelands for Indigenous Peoples. This paper seeks to address that question by looking at Alaska Native Regional Corporations and their share of ownership in the tourism industry. These corporations have the potential to be a powerful economic tool for Indigenous Alaskans, as they can use these corporations to keep the income brought from tourism in local communities. This paper seeks to use ArcGIS to create a map and directory of tourism companies currently owned by Alaska Native Regional Corporations to visualize and conceptualize the state of current Indigenous ownership. This knowledge can be used to further understand the current representation Indigenous Alaskans have in the Alaska tourism industry and to help consider possibilities to promote their socio-economic influence in the industry.
Exploring the WASH Landscape in Alaska: Findings from a Scoping Review — Nathalie Thelemaque

Nathalie Thelemaque ¹; Caitlyn Butler ¹; Emily Kumpel ¹; David Fuente ²
¹University of Massachusetts Amherst; ² University of South Carolina

Format: Poster in-person

Poster number: 231

Abstract:

Clean and safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services are necessary for all individuals, however, climate change makes access to these services at risk. The ongoing threat of climate change especially stresses rural Alaskan communities, where more than 3,000 rural homes lack access to running water and flush toilets necessary for maintaining community health. With impending significant investment in Alaska water and sanitation infrastructure improvements, it is imperative to understand the status of WASH within the state. WASH literature in the region focuses broadly on the Arctic, minimizing focus on Alaska-specific concerns. Therefore, this study presents the results of a scoping review of scholarly and gray literature in the fields of public health, engineering, and social science that center WASH in rural Alaskan communities. The published literature examines the challenges associated with different water (e.g., hauled water, packed water) and sanitation (e.g., honey buckets, wastewater lagoons) services in various parts of the state through the lenses of public health, sociotechnical systems, water quality, and sustainability. However, the literature focuses more on water than sanitation, limiting our understanding of hygiene associated with wastewater services in the state. This research identifies areas for further examination in water system affordability, standards for infrastructure development, and improving support for unserved communities. Practically, this work allows relevant stakeholders to comprehensively interpret the standing of WASH infrastructure in Alaska to inform improved infrastructure planning and development.
Using the Community Artic Transportation Accessibility Model (CATAM) to Evaluate Future Challenges to Terrestrial Accessibility — Emma Haggerty

Emma Haggerty ¹; Dmitry Streletskiy ¹
¹The George Washington University

Format: Poster in-person

Poster number: 232

Abstract:

This research expands on the methodology of the Community Arctic Transportation Accessibility Model (CATAM) to identify vulnerabilities in permanent roads and railroads as well as seasonal winter and ice roads under rapidly changing climatic conditions. CATAM uses the latest CMIP6 data from NCAR’s Community Earth System Model (CESM) to examine these future transportation hazards under moderate (SSP245) and fossil-intensive (SSP585) climate scenarios. The study area of this analysis encompasses the Arctic states, including the US (Alaska), Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, which reveal a projected decline in land-based accessibility by mid-century. Regions and routes highlighted by the outcomes of this work provide valuable insights for the development of reliable and sustainable transportation infrastructure in the Arctic.
Estimating the solar energy potential of post-war reconstruction houses in Northern Norway — Bryan Lintott

Clara Good ¹; Bryan Lintott ²; Gareth Rees ³
¹ARC Arctic Centre for Sustainable Energy, UiT The Arctic University of Norway; ² UiT The Arctic University of Norway; ³ Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge

Format: Poster in-person

Poster number: 357

Abstract:

Towards the end of the Second World War, the buildings and infrastructure of Northern Norway were largely burned down by occupying forces, and thousands of people lost their homes. During the state-led ‘Reconstruction’ aimed at rebuilding and modernizing the country in the decades following the peace in 1945, more than 13,000 so-called ‘reconstruction houses’ were built, primarily in the two northernmost counties. Most of these were built according to standardized type drawings that were either developed or approved by the Directorate of Housing, and many are therefore similar both in architectural style, layout, and dimensions.

The reconstruction houses represent an important cultural heritage, but many of them are now in need of modernization and energy upgrading to meet modern and future requirements. In this paper, we present an estimation of solar energy potential that could be achieved by refurbishing reconstruction houses with solar roofs. The estimation is based on simulations in combination with measured performance data. It is estimated that a PV system on the roof of an average reconstruction house could provide between 3000 and 7000 kWh per year, depending on how much of the roof area is used. Considering variations in orientation and size, we estimate that the total solar potential could be up to 40 GWh on reconstruction houses in Finnmark county alone. This work is based on estimations, and the results need to be further developed to give accurate predictions. However, it shows a largely untapped potential for increased energy resilience in Northern Norway.
A Comprehensive Assessment of Climate Data for Modeling Social-Ecological Systems in Mongolia: Overview of Meteorological and Satellite Data — Uyemaa Gantulga

Uyemaa Gantulga ^1,2; Vera Kuklina ¹
¹George Washington University; ² Mongolian Aerospace Research and Science Agency

Format: Poster in-person

Poster number: 423

Abstract:

Availability of reliable and timely data is crucial for modeling social-ecological systems and forecasting their future change under the impact of diverse drivers, such as climate change. While there are multiple organizations and networks gathering data at the global scale, distribution of information sources is very uneven at the regional and local scales. This paper evaluates the current availability and accessibility of climate data crucial for modeling social-ecological systems in Mongolia, one of the key regions for understanding Arctic and sub-Arctic climate dynamics. For in-situ observations, we assess data available in existing meteorological measurement stations across the country, identifying gaps and opportunities for enhancement. For remote sensing observations, the paper also assesses the availability and accessibility of satellite data from international agencies such as NASA, JAXA, and ESA covering Mongolia. By inventorying and systematizing these datasets, this paper highlights opportunities to improve data findability, accessibility, and reusability for both researchers and policy makers. This work will inform future scientific collaborations for understanding sustainability and resilience of social-ecological systems under the climate change and contribute to development of more comprehensive climate models for Mongolia and surrounding regions.
Sermilik Reserach Station in East Greenland — Andreas Trügler

Andreas Trügler ¹; Jakob Abermann ¹; Wolfgang Schöner ¹
¹University of Graz

Format: Poster virtual

Poster number: 278

Abstract:

The University of Graz has significantly expanded the Sermilik Research Station (SRS) at Sermilik Fjord on Ammassalik Island, East Greenland. The initial establishment by the University of Copenhagen from the 1970s has now been enhanced and upgraded thanks to a generous private donation, allowing for the growth and modernization of the station.

The SRS is designed to serve as an interdisciplinary scientific hub and pivotal link between academic research and the local community, focusing on the diverse impacts of Arctic climate change. This presentation will provide an overview of our research vision for the station and discuss the alignment with Greenland's research strategy. We will provide an overview of the station's infrastructure and outline some of the ongoing and planned research activities. The station aims to support scientists and students globally, offering facilities for various disciplines, including inter- and transdisciplinary research.

Strategically located at the entrance to Sermilik Fjord, near the Mittivakkat glacier delta, the station is about 15 km from Tasiilaq, the largest town in East Greenland with approximately 2,000 residents. SRS is typically accessed by boat from Tasiilaq, which connects to Iceland via Kulusuk Airport.

The region faces significant climate change challenges, such as sea ice loss, altered fish and animal populations, intensified natural hazards, and permafrost degradation. Research carried out at SRS will particularly consider local needs and challenges and aims to build strong relationships with the local community and national as well as international networks.

3.17. The Challenges of Arctic Infrastructure

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