Monitoring and Managing Human Stressors to Coastal Cultural Heritage in Svalbard

Holmgaard, Sanne Bech; Thuestad, Alma Elizabeth; Myrvoll, Elin Rose; Barlindhaug, Stine

doi:10.3390/h8010021

Cited by 12 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Therefore, an even more detailed RTS mapping should be undertaken to provide the full picture in this threatened and rapidly changing Arctic environment. Frequent monitoring activities should take place, directly on site and remotely, to check the permafrost conditions and whether indicators of new failures can be recognised in the proximity to CH sites and also in proximity to other anthropic activities (such as tourism) (Holmgaard et al 2019). A better understanding of RTS future development can help local authorities prioritise mitigation measures at known CH sites.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preliminary assessment of thaw slump hazard to Arctic cultural heritage in Nordenskiöld Land, Svalbard

2021

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Permafrost-dependent landslides occur in a range of sizes and are among the most dynamic landforms in the Arctic in the warming climate. Retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs) are enlarging landslides triggered by thawing and release of excess water from permafrost ground ice, causing smaller or larger collapses of ground surface, which in turn exposes new permafrost to rapid thawing and collapse. In this study, a preliminary assessment of previous thaw slump activity in Nordenskiöld Land area of Svalbard is made based on remote sensing digitisation of 400 slump-scar features from aerial images from the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI). RTS properties and distribution are analysed with an emphasis on their implications for the preservation of the Svalbard’s cultural heritage (CH). Our analysis shows that the areas where RTS scars and CH co-exist in Nordenskiöld Land are, at present, limited and cover mainly areas distributed along north-west (Colesbukta, Grønfjorden, Kapp Starostin), north-east (Sassendalen and Sassenfjorden) and south-west (Van Muydenbukta) coastlines. Taking into consideration the preliminary aspect of this inventory and study, it can be stated that for now, RTS and CH sites do not have a high level of co-existence, except for eight sites which are located at less than 100 m to a RTS and one site that is located inside a currently inactive slump-scar. Further mapping of RTS will be undertaken in order to have a complete picture of these climate triggered landslides potentially threatening the Arctic CH. The results of this study, even if preliminary, can be used by local authorities and stakeholders in prioritising future documentation and mitigation measures and can thus present a powerful tool in disaster risk reduction.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preliminary assessment of thaw slump hazard to Arctic cultural heritage in Nordenskiöld Land, Svalbard

2021

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“…The receding coastline is not just a financial risk; a significant part of the cultural heritage of the indigenous Arctic population is now also at risk of irreversible loss (Figure 3;h) (Radosavljević et al 2016;Irrgang et al 2019). Apart from coastal erosion, additional threats to cultural heritage in the Arctic include: general mechanical weathering, wind wear and tear, sand drift, flooding and human activity (Holmgaard et al 2019). These days, the human impact on cultural heritage is a topic of increasing relevance in the Arctic due to the expanding tourism industry (Bystrowska, Wigger & Liggett 2017;Holmgaard et al 2019).…”

Section: Figure 2 Anthropogenic and Environmental Interactions Affecting The Arctic Coastmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Apart from coastal erosion, additional threats to cultural heritage in the Arctic include: general mechanical weathering, wind wear and tear, sand drift, flooding and human activity (Holmgaard et al 2019). These days, the human impact on cultural heritage is a topic of increasing relevance in the Arctic due to the expanding tourism industry (Bystrowska, Wigger & Liggett 2017;Holmgaard et al 2019).…”

Section: Figure 2 Anthropogenic and Environmental Interactions Affecting The Arctic Coastmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges and perspectivesfor human activity in Arctic coastal environments – a review of selected interactions and problems

Jaskólski

2021

Miscellanea Geographica

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The currently-observed increase in human activity in the Arctic accelerates the negative impact on the environment as well as increases the risk of threats to mankind itself. This paper reviews and summarises a selection of studies on the interaction between humans and the environment in the Arctic coastal zone, which is impacted by a warming climate and associated geohazards. The paper presents a general description of human presence in the Arctic, identifies and describes the processes that are threatening the infrastructure, and the anthropogenic processes that have a negative impact on the Arctic. It considers the possible future economic opportunities, and presents the sustainable requirements for modern human activity in the Arctic. The paper demonstrates the urgent need to develop a common, Arctic-wide strategy based on sustainable development. The time has come to change human perception of the Arctic because, in the near future, it may be considered as a refuge for climate change refugees.

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“…Svalbard, an archipelago which is an Arctic territory of Norway, has approximately 2,700 inhabitants across four main settlements, as well as thousands of tourists, scientists, business people and other visitors who regularly travel in and out (Holmgaard et al , 2019; Visit Svalbard, 2019). If any of the settlements were to experience a power outage, a failure of the freshwater supply, or a major fire, then post-disaster settlement and shelter would be required, possibly during winter's long hours of darkness and sub-freezing temperatures.…”

Section: A Case Study Of Svalbard Norwaymentioning

confidence: 99%

Arctic humanitarianism for post-disaster settlement and shelter

Kelman

2020

DPM

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PurposeThis paper explores Arctic post-disaster situations by focusing on settlement and shelter in Arctic humanitarian contexts.Design/methodology/approachPrinciples of post-disaster settlement and shelter are examined for the Arctic and then for the case study of Svalbard, Norway.FindingsEstablished principles apply in the Arctic, but are not easy to implement. Limited practical experience exists, and some Arctic humanitarian situations require much more investigation to understand how to deal with the post-disaster settlement and shelter process.Originality/valueSetting an agenda for aspects of the principles and practices of Arctic humanitarianism.

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Monitoring and Managing Human Stressors to Coastal Cultural Heritage in Svalbard

Cited by 12 publications

References 21 publications

Preliminary assessment of thaw slump hazard to Arctic cultural heritage in Nordenskiöld Land, Svalbard

Preliminary assessment of thaw slump hazard to Arctic cultural heritage in Nordenskiöld Land, Svalbard

Challenges and perspectivesfor human activity in Arctic coastal environments – a review of selected interactions and problems

Arctic humanitarianism for post-disaster settlement and shelter

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