Scientists from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, together with the Arktikugol company, have resumed research into frozen soils near the Russian villages of Barentsburg and Pyramid on Spitsbergen. The latest data is alarming: if the climate continues to warm at the same rate, within 30 years the permafrost will begin to collapse, and the soil will sink by 12.5 cm annually.
The Arctic is warming faster than other regions, and this directly threatens infrastructure. Svalbard is especially vulnerable – there are Russian villages with massive buildings standing on permafrost. If the soil loses strength, the structures will require urgent strengthening.
In Barentsburg, temperatures are rising twice as fast as the Russian average, and in the coming years may become positive even in winter. This will accelerate the melting of permafrost and increase risks for buildings.
Experts studied the geocryological conditions around the villages, analyzed the construction experience in this area and launched a monitoring system. It will help monitor soil temperatures and take timely measures – for example, installing thermal stabilizers to cool the soil.
The data obtained will also help improve the permafrost monitoring system throughout Russia. This is especially important because changes in the Arctic affect the climate of the entire planet.
Source: @aari_official
Photo, map: Nikita Demidov, AARI
