Physical changes in an Arctic lanscape A multi-decadal case study over Hanaskogdalen, Svalbard, Norway using remote sensing

Abstract

Local climate change impacts in Arctic regions are of interest for people living in the area, as well as on a global scale to broaden the understanding on how Arctic landscapes are evolving in relation to the Earth's climate system. By conducting a change detection case study using state-of-the-art remote sensing this paper focuses on physical changes in Hanaskogdalen, Svalbard, Norway. Comparing aerial photos from 1936, 1961, 1990, 2008 and 2020 enables identification of observable variations regarding geomorphological activity, coastline development and glacial extension. Furthermore, by using data from the meteorological station SN99840 local climate variations from 1976-2020 are examined. The result of this study indicates multiple physical changes throughout the last decades. Concerning the evolution of the landscape this paper highlights the increase of debris flow occurrences, coastline erosion, delta development at the river mouth and ablation of the glacial snout of Brandtbreen in the eastern part of Hanaskogdalen. Additionally, climate variables have been examined; a positive trend can be found regarding mean annual air temperature, annual precipitation, summer precipitation and days with heavy precipitation. Nevertheless, the only statistically significant change during the period 1976-2020 is the temperature increase.