Satellite-Derived Data Powers ALEX, Offering Insight into Arctic Permafrost Thaw
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Feb 12, 2024

In an era where climate change's effects are increasingly evident in the Arctic, the necessity for advanced tools to observe and manage permafrost landscapes has never been more critical. The Arctic PASSION project has taken a significant step forward in this direction with the publication of the Arctic Landscape Explorer (ALEX), a comprehensive online tool that utilizes satellite-derived data to monitor trends in land surface changes across the Arctic permafrost region over the last two decades (2003-2022).

Permafrost, a layer of permanently frozen ground that spans approximately 15% of the Northern Hemisphere's land surface, plays a crucial role in the global climate system. It is a massive carbon sink, containing four times the amount of carbon released by human activities in modern times.

However, as this frozen soil thaws, it releases stored greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming and further promoting permafrost thaw. This thawing process leads to significant land surface changes, including Arctic coastal erosion, thaw slumping, and the formation and drainage of lakes, all of which pose threats to local infrastructure and ecosystems.

The introduction of ALEX marks a pivotal development in addressing the information gap that has long hampered effective management and planning in Arctic regions affected by permafrost thaw. Designed with accessibility in mind, ALEX provides spatially explicit information on permafrost thaw and erosion at a resolution of 30 meters, covering the entire Arctic permafrost region.

This tool is not only aimed at scientists but is also tailored for non-expert users, including local communities living in permafrost areas. Its user-friendly map interface, complete with a storytelling component, makes complex data understandable and relevant for local decision-making, planning, and safety measures.

One of the tool's notable features is its ability to detect and assess regional disturbances such as coastal erosion, lake drainage, thermokarst lake expansion, and tundra fires, among others. This capability is crucial for both local communities and scientists seeking to understand the dynamics of permafrost thaw and its implications for the Arctic and beyond.

Efforts to ensure the tool meets the actual information needs of Arctic communities have included consultations with local representatives and stakeholders from Alaska. The forthcoming availability of parts of the website in multiple Arctic languages further demonstrates the project's commitment to accessibility and community engagement.

ALEX is a component of Arctic PASSION's Permafrost Service, illustrating the project's broader mission to enhance understanding and management of permafrost landscapes amid changing climate conditions. By providing an unprecedented level of detail and accessibility, ALEX stands as a vital resource for Arctic communities, policymakers, and scientists alike, offering insights necessary for mitigating risks and planning for a future in which the impacts of permafrost thaw are increasingly significant.

Research Report:Pan-Arctic Visualization of Landscape Change (2003-2022)

Related Links
ALEX
GRID-Arendal
AWI
Beyond the Ice Age