Coastal Retreat in Alaska Is Accelerating Because of Compound Climate Impacts

Credit: Benjamin M. Jones, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Storm surge flooding temporarily closes Eben Hopson Street in Utqiagvik, Alaska. The overlapping effects of sea level rise, permafrost thaw subsidence, and erosion will make this a more frequent occurrence.

« Coastal Retreat in Alaska Is Accelerating Because of Compound Climate Impacts

Credit: Benjamin M. Jones, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks

A storm threatens infrastructure in Utqiagvik, Alaska. Utqiagvik is the largest city in the North Slope Borough. By 2100, the combined effects of coastal erosion, sea level rise, and permafrost thaw subsidence will likely push the North Slope shoreline inland to a location it hasn't reached since the last interglacial period.

« Coastal Retreat in Alaska Is Accelerating Because of Compound Climate Impacts

Credit: Benjamin M. Jones, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Marine flooding degrades permafrost near Point Lonely, Alaska. As compound climate impacts accelerate coastal change, there is an urgent need for adaptive strategies to protect vulnerable communities and infrastructure.

« Coastal Retreat in Alaska Is Accelerating Because of Compound Climate Impacts

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