| Summary: | Geomorphological mass movements are projected to increase as the local climate changes in the Arctic, following global climate change. This poses a threat to Arctic settlements, as these movements may disturb and threaten infrastructure and people. Longyearbyen, Svalbard, has experienced these changes firsthand, as three major mass movement events occurred in close succession following a change in climate and environmental conditions. These events were previously unprecedented at this scale, and previous studies on mass movement events in the Longyear Valley have been sparse. This study aims to fill in some of the existing knowledge gaps by identifying what geomorphological activities exist within the valley and how the society of Longyearbyen has adapted in response to current and future projections. This is done by comparing aerial images from 1936, 2008, and 2014, digital elevation models from 2008 and 2018, NIR data from 2008, and ground truth imagery during an excursion in May 2023. These comparisons enable observation and analysis regarding geomorphological activities, changes to infrastructure, and the ability to assess avalanche conditions in connection to infrastructure. The results indicate that several measures have been taken within the town in response to previous and future projected events, as it is continuously densifying as a recreational town. Several geomorphological activities have additionally been identified within the valley, with a strong presence of colluvial fans caused by cornice falls.
|
|---|