Drivers, dynamics and impacts of changing Arctic coasts
Irrgang, Anna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8158-9675,
Bendixen, Mette,
Farquharson, Louise M,
Baranskaya, Alisa,
Erikson, Li H,
Gibbs, Ann,
Ogorodov, S,
Overduin, Pier Paul ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9849-4712,
Lantuit, Hugues ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1497-6760,
Grigoriev, Mikhail N and
Jones, Benjamin M
;
Contact
anna.irrgang [ at ] awi.de
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.
Item Type
Article
Authors
Irrgang, Anna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8158-9675,
Bendixen, Mette,
Farquharson, Louise M,
Baranskaya, Alisa,
Erikson, Li H,
Gibbs, Ann,
Ogorodov, S,
Overduin, Pier Paul ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9849-4712,
Lantuit, Hugues ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1497-6760,
Grigoriev, Mikhail N and
Jones, Benjamin M
;
Divisions
Primary Division
Programs
Primary Topic
Helmholtz Cross Cutting Activity (2021-2027)
Research Networks
Publication Status
Published
Eprint ID
55649
DOI
10.1038/s43017-021-00232-1
Cite as
Irrgang, A.
,
Bendixen, M.
,
Farquharson, L. M.
,
Baranskaya, A.
,
Erikson, L. H.
,
Gibbs, A.
,
Ogorodov, S.
,
Overduin, P. P.
,
Lantuit, H.
,
Grigoriev, M. N.
and
Jones, B. M.
(2022):
Drivers, dynamics and impacts of changing Arctic coasts
,
Nature Reviews Earth and Environment,
3
,
pp. 39-54
.
doi: 10.1038/s43017-021-00232-1
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Funded by
eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020/773421
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