Drivers, dynamics and impacts of changing Arctic coasts

Nature Reviews Earth & Environment
By: , and 

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Abstract

Arctic coasts are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and the loss of permafrost, sea ice and glaciers. Assessing the influence of anthropogenic warming on Arctic coastal dynamics, however, is challenged by the limited availability of observational, oceanographic and environmental data. Yet, with the majority of permafrost coasts being erosive, coupled with projected intensification of erosion and flooding, understanding these changes is critical. In this Review, we describe the morphological diversity of Arctic coasts, discuss important drivers of coastal change, explain the specific sensitivity of Arctic coasts to climate change and provide an overview of pan-Arctic shoreline change and its multifaceted impacts. Arctic coastal changes impact the human environment by threatening coastal settlements, infrastructure, cultural sites and archaeological remains. Changing sediment fluxes also impact the natural environment through carbon, nutrient and pollutant release on a magnitude that remains difficult to predict. Increasing transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration efforts will build the foundation for identifying sustainable solutions and adaptation strategies to reduce future risks for those living on, working at and visiting the rapidly changing Arctic coast.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Drivers, dynamics and impacts of changing Arctic coasts
Series title Nature Reviews Earth & Environment
DOI 10.1038/s43017-021-00232-1
Volume 3
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher Nature Publishing Group
Contributing office(s) Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description 16 p.
First page 39
Last page 54
Country Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Arctic, Siberia, Svalbard
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