NNA-CO 2024 Annual Meeting Posters

NNA-CO

Filter displayed posters (87 keywords)

hydrology (2) show more... Arctic (1) Arctic systems (1) Art (1) Artificial intelligence (1) Broadening impact (1) Broader Impacts (1) CARE (1) Climate change (1) Collaboration (1) Consumer Perceptions (1) Convergent (1) Diversity (1) Drinking Water Vulnerability (1) Education (1) Energy Efficiency (1) FAIR (1) Fennoscandia (1) Finland (1) First Nations (1) GIA (1) Greenland (1) Gulf of Alaska (1) Housing (1) Ice-wedge polygons (1) Inclusion (1) Indigenous knowledges (1) Indoor Air Quality (1) Infrastructure (1) NASA ABoVE (1) Norway (1) Pacific cod (1) Permafrost thaw (1) Reanalysis (1) Reindeer herding (1) Remote sensing (1) STEAM (1) STEM (1) Sami (1) Scale Development (1) Science Communication (1) Sea-level change (1) Unangax (1) Water Quality (1) Winter warming (1) Yukon (1) agriculture (1) and active layer dynmaics (1) arctic risk (1) arctic-boreal vulnerability experiment (1) arctic; plant biomass; vegetation; remote sensing; machine learning; landsat; ecological change (1) bathymetry (1) boreal forests (1) climate change (1) co-production (1) coastal berms (1) communication (1) data validation (1) engagement (1) ethical research (1) fennoscandia (1) forecasts (1) green engineering (1) hydroclimate in Fennoscandia (1) industrial land use (1) knowledge co-production (1) land use (1) marine habitat (1) maritime navigation (1) model (1) natural resources (1) navigation (1) northern cultures (1) open-source (1) permafrost (1) rain-on-snow (1) reindeer (1) reindeer husbandry (1) scaling (1) seasonality (1) snow properties (1) supplemental feeding (1) terrestrial ecosystem science (1) traditional knowledge (1) traditional livelihoods (1) wildfire risk (1) wildland-urban interface (1)
Show Posters:

The Geoscience Alliance: a National Alliance for Broadening Participation of Native Americans in the Geosciences

Diana Dalbotten, Antony Berthelote, Nievita Bueno Watts, Kelsey Zimmerman, Rachel de Sobrino

Abstract
Presented by
Kelsey Zimmerman, Rachel de Sobrino
Institution
Polar Geospatial Center, University of Minnesota, Salish Kootenai College, Cal-Poly Humboldt
Keywords
Broadening impact, Diversity, Inclusion,

History and evolution of engagement and collaboration during NASA's Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE)

Libby Larson

Abstract
The Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) is a NASA Terrestrial Ecology program field campaign geographically focused on Alaska and Western Canada. The Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems Office at NASA GSFC has been providing planning, implementation, and management support for ABoVE from the preliminary stages prior to the first solicitation in 2014 through to the current final phase of dedicated ABoVE funding. An important component of this support includes engaging with relevant collaborators, end users, governments, and communities to learn about their perspectives, complementary activities, and research needs. This poster will demonstrate how engagement and collaboration approaches have evolved over time as funded research, climatic events, and best practices have changed. Lessons learned for future NASA field campaigns will also be considered.
Presented by
Libby Larson
Institution
NASA GSFC/SSAI
Keywords
Collaboration, engagement, communication

Projecting 21st Century Sea-Level Change Along Coastal Greenland

Lauren Lewright, Jacky Austermann, Surendra Adhikari, Jim Davis, Guy Paxman, Chris Piecuch

Abstract
The Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS), vulnerable to increased warming in the Arctic, is expected to contribute largely to GMSL rise within this century through surface melt runoff and the retreat of its marine terminating glaciers. Though mass loss from the GrIS will cause GMSL rise in coming years, glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) will lead to regional sea level fall around Greenland as the land rebounds and the gravitational attraction of water towards the ice sheet is reduced. Models of GIA and hence predictions of future sea-level change are dependent on the viscoelastic structure and rheology of the solid earth, as well as past and future ice mass loss from ice sheets and glaciers. In this project, we use a suite of GIA models, in which we vary both earth structure and ice history to predict future sea-level change in this region. These predictions can be used to gain insight into how sea-level change will impact the natural environment, infrastructure, and economy around Greenland. 
Presented by
Lauren Lewright
Institution
Columbia University
Keywords
Sea-level change, Greenland, GIA

Regionalization of hydroclimate conducive to rain-on-snow events indicates shifting seasonality pattern in Fennoscandia

Wenbo Zhou1 , Valeriy Ivanov1, Aleksey Sheshukov2, Jingfeng Wang3 , Desheng Liu4, Peter Ungar5, Gerardo Celis5, Mary Heskel6, Matt Sponheimer7, Oliver Paine8, Marc Macias-Fauria9, John Ziker10, Karl Mertens10, Colin Wren11, Dorothee Ehrich12, Oliver Gilg13, Florian Stammler14

Abstract
Air temperature fluctuating around 0°C during the winter will create a precondition for rain-on-snow events or form ice layers in the snowpack. The changed snow properties under the impact of warm winter temperatures would further impact winter reindeer herding activities. Using a long-term data set (1960 - 2021) on daily air temperatures in winter, we have carried out the analysis of warm spell periods over the Fennoscandia region. Our clustering analysis results show shifting seasonality and various patterns of winter warm spells in different regions. Specifically, locations near the coast have a higher chance of more frequent rain-on-snow events, rain-on-snow events tend to happen later in the winter before snow melts in the southwestern region and will most likely happen earlier in the interior region. Snow modeling results also showed different snow properties in different regions in years when extreme winter conditions were reported.
Presented by
Wenbo Zhou
Institution
1 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, 2 Kansas State University, 3 Georgia Institute of Technology, 4 Ohio State University, 5 University of Arkansas, 6 Macalester College, 7 University of Colorado-Boulder, 8 San Diego State University, 9 University of Cambridge, 10 Boise State University, 11 University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, 12 University of Tromsø, Norway, 13 Université Bourgogne Franche Comté, France, 14 University of Lapland, Finland
Keywords
hydroclimate in Fennoscandia, rain-on-snow, seasonality, snow properties

High-resolution Arctic Built Infrastructure and Terrain Analysis Tool (HABITAT)

(1) Elias Manos, (1) Chandi Witharana, (1) Amal Perera, (1) Michael Pimenta, (2) Anna Liljedahl

Abstract
The natural and built environments of the Arctic permafrost regions are experiencing rapid transformations due to a warming climate, necessitating the development of novel monitoring tools to accurately map permafrost landforms and thaw disturbances, track their changes over time, and to assess the economic impact on human-built infrastructure. The entire Arctic has been imaged by very high spatial resolution (VHSR) Maxar satellite sensors at the sub-meter resolution multiple times during the last two decades, capturing dynamics of individual microtopographic features, thaw disturbances, and human-built infrastructure features without sacrificing geographic extent and spatial detail. While data repositories holding millions of these VHSR images have reached the petabyte scale, imagery-derived pan-Arctic scale science products are yet rare, naturally setting the stage for artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms like the deep learning (DL) convolutional neural network (CNN). However, scalability of automated analysis over millions of square kilometers comprising heterogeneous Arctic landscapes is a challenging task, requiring the development of efficient image-to-assessment workflows that center on high performance computing resources. Therefore, we present here such a novel image analysis tool, High-resolution Arctic Built Infrastructure and Terrain Analysis Tool (HABITAT), that enables the integration of operational-scale GeoAI capabilities into Arctic science applications, with four example mapping scenarios (ice-wedge polygons, ice-wedge polygon troughs, retrogressive thaw slumps. and human-built infrastructure).
Presented by
Elias Manos
Institution
(1) Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Connecticut; (2) Woodwell Climate Research Center, Falmouth, MA, USA
Keywords
Remote sensing, Artificial intelligence, Permafrost thaw, Ice-wedge polygons, Infrastructure

Cumulative effects of land use on reindeer herding in Finland

Iida Melamies and Viola Ukkola

Abstract
This poster gives an overview of different types of land use such as mining and forestry and their multilayered effects on reindeer herding. We show how changes in different types of land use cumulatively impact work practices, culture and communities and how that may influence the future of reindeer herding. Based on this analysis, the poster will highlight research questions for the future from the point of view of reindeer herders.
Presented by
Viola Ukkola & Iida Melamies
Institution
University of Lapland
Keywords
Reindeer herding, land use, traditional knowledge, traditional livelihoods, Fennoscandia, industrial land use, reindeer husbandry, northern cultures

Foundation for Improving Resilience in the Energy Sector again Wildfires on Alaskan Lands (FIREWALL)

Kathleen DeMichele

Abstract
This poster will focus on the importance of wildfires in Alaska and provide an update to the NNA community regarding the ongoing NSF Navigating the New Arctic-supported FIREWALL project. We will present findings from initial GIS data analyses, as well as our utilization of topographic and climate data to forecast the risk of lightning-ignited fires and its application to utility infrastructure. We will also share initial results from a qualitative study that examines how participants from different sectors share information and collaborate with each other.
Presented by
Kathleen DeMichele
Institution
University of Alaska, Anchorage
Keywords

From Forest to Flow: Convergence Research on Water Quality Vulnerability in Swedish Forested Landscapes

Cheristy P. Jones, Tim Hoheneder, Megan Verfaillie, Josibel Pardo, Emma M. Burkett, Jessica Ernakovich, Jennifer M. Jacobs, and Ruth K. Varner

Abstract
Graduate student trainees enrolled in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Traineeship Convergent Arctic Research Perspectives & Education (CARPE) program developed and enacted a graduate student-led, convergent research project to identify areas vulnerable to water quality degradation related to clear-cutting forestry practices across Northern Sweden. Research harnessed the collective and diverse expertise of graduate students, faculty members, regional scientists, environmental activists, and community organizers in a community-informed research model. Outcomes include a map identifying areas sensitive to clear-cutting activities impacting water quality in addition to a brochure synthesizing results for future community decision-making. The project demonstrated the potential for convergent approaches to: (1) address community-informed Arctic research questions, and (2) enrich graduate student research training across academic disciplines and polar geographies.
Presented by
Cheristy Jones
Institution
University of New Hampshire
Keywords
Convergent

Analyzing Trends in Arctic Traffic and Incidents

Sydney Lin, Rajesh Kandel, Hiba Baroud, Ph.D.

Abstract
The Arctic’s melting ice has increased the potential for new shipping routes, natural resource extraction, tourism, and more. The purpose of this study is to explore traffic, incident, and climate data to identify common characteristics in incidents occurring in the Arctic so as to decrease the risk of future incidents. Using Arctic Ship Traffic Data (ASTD), Compendium of Arctic Ship Accidents (CASA), and ERA5 Global Reanalysis, the study revealed low wind speeds, short ship length, and increased ship age were some of the traits linked to incidents. The study is still ongoing and will incorporate temporal changes in traffic and climate variables as well as data from incident reports to factor in human errors.
Presented by
Sydney Lin
Institution
Vanderbilt University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Keywords
maritime navigation, arctic risk

Supporting Arctic research, engagement, and policy with GMAO's next generation reanalysis and prediction systems

Lauren C. Andrews & Richard I. Cullather

Abstract
Modeling efforts at NASA aim to advance scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced changes and to improve our ability to predict climate, weather, and natural hazards. These efforts are particularly relevant for communities and scientists working and living in the Arctic. Here, we highlight current and planned Earth system prediction and data assimilation products from the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO). We invite feedback and discussion on GMAO’s model and reanalysis development in support of Arctic research, engagement, and policy.
Presented by
Lauren C. Andrews <lauren.c.andrews@nasa.gov>
Institution
Global Modeling and Assimilation Office, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Keywords
Reanalysis, forecasts, model, Arctic systems

Is Wildfire Management a Moral Hazard Impeding Community Resilience? Investigating the Spatial Mismatch Between Public Expenditures and Finance in the Wildland- Urban-Interface of Alaska's Boreal Forests

Matthew Berman, Jennifer Schmidt, Kylie Reese, David Neiss, Joseph Little

Abstract
Increased wildfire frequency and severity in the boreal forests of North America associated with climate change creates additional risk to life and property in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) of Alaska. Sprawled settlement patterns can increase the risk and complicate adaptation. We study incentives for urban sprawl as an impediment to community wildfire resilience in a case study of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. We find that the combination of state and federal subsidies for surface transportation and public services in more remote locations as well as wildfire suppression and risk mitigation are substantial. Ongoing research aims to compare the effects of these subsidies on wildfire risk with willingness to pay for remote living, quantifying the social cost of the moral hazard.
Presented by
Matthew Berman
Institution
University of Alaska Anchorage Institute of Social, and Northern Arizona University
Keywords
wildfire risk, wildland-urban interface, boreal forests

Indigenous Observation Network (ION) 2.0: Recent inter-and intra-annual variability of water quality and chemistry in the context of active layer dynamics across the Yukon River Basin

Edda Mutter, Jennifer Guerard, Harrison Hee, Srijan Aggarwal, Alexander Kholodov, Nicole Herman-Mercer, & Ryan Toohey

Abstract
The Yukon River Basin (YRB) is the fourth largest drainage basin in North America, originating in British Columbia, Canada flowing northwest through Yukon Territory across the interior of Alaska, discharging into the Bering Sea. The Yukon River flows from east to west through 20 different ecosystems, each with unique geological features and mostly underlain by discontinues permafrost. The Indigenous Observation Network (ION) is a partnership between the Alaska Native Tribes and First Nations, the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the United States Naval Academy, and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF) that combines Indigenous Knowledge and western science. The community-based research program has developed two projects that focus on water quality and active layer dynamics to address concerns with regards to past and current changes to the landscape and hydrology. The ION data has contributed to a better understanding of changes in surface water geochemistry and active layer dynamics throughout the YRB. The ION biogeochemical trend analysis shows increases of annual fluxes of weathering ions due to permafrost thawing, which increases groundwater contributions to surface waters. In 2019, we found that at many monitoring sites thickness of active layer exceeded the depth of 1 meter that is close to the potential depth of seasonal freezing within the discontinuous permafrost zone of the region. Thus, we can preliminarily assume activation of the process of the talik formation, which affects the subsurface water discharge in the winter season. The ION research is critical addressing challenges related to water resources at regional and local environmental scales to preserve Alaska Native Tribes and First Nations traditional way of life for all upcoming generations.
Presented by
Edda Mutter <emutter@yritwc.org>
Institution
Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, Anchorage, AK; US Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks AK; U.S. Geological Survey
Keywords
Water Quality, hydrology, and active layer dynmaics

Understanding rural Alaska housing challenges to enhance energy efficiency and indoor air quality

Patricia Guillante, Christiana Kiesling, Cassandra Conrad, Kristen Cetin, Cristina Poleacovschi

Abstract
Rural communities in Alaska face many housing related challenges due their remote location and extreme weather conditions. Understanding what these housing challenges are and how they can be addressed is one of the ways to help improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ) of existing homes. Field data on physical housing characteristics, energy efficiency characteristics, and IAQ was collected in two communities in Alaska: Unalakleet and Nome. Preliminary results show that there are similarities and differences between these two communities, as well as challenges identified in relation to energy inefficiencies, mold, IAQ, foundation settling due to permafrost thaw.
Presented by
Patricia Guillante
Institution
Michigan State University
Keywords
Energy Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality, Housing

Navigating Balanced Approaches to Northern Research A Navigating the New Arctic Planning Project

Emily S. Huff, Salli F. Dymond, Grant Gunn

Abstract
Rapidly changing Arctic conditions necessitate convergent and holistic approaches to creating new knowledge and engaging communities that are most affected by these changes. Thus, planning effective and considered Arctic research is needed, the results of which will inform social and ecological security on a national, and global scale. Our evolving partnership (between research institutions and with community partners) works towards this aim by supporting planning activities with clear potential to develop novel, leading edge research ideas and approaches to address NNA goals in a critical region: Canada’s Yukon Territory, and specifically the Kluane Lake Region. Our approach integrates aspects of the natural, social, and built environments to address important societal challenges at this intersection, aiming for true partnership with local communities.
Presented by
Emily Huff
Institution
Michigan State University, Northern Arizona University, University of Waterloo
Keywords
Yukon, First Nations, Climate change, hydrology, natural resources

"The Fish have Tails:” Volatilities of Cod, Community, and the Environment

Katherine Reedy, Zackary Beal, Catherine West, Courtney Hofman

Abstract
The Shumagin Islands region of Alaska was the booming center of Pacific cod fisheries beginning in the 1850s. Since then, Pacific cod have “disappeared” twice from the Western Gulf of Alaska waters, first in the 1930s and more recently in 2014-2020. The recent disappearance is the result of fish responding to marine heatwaves in the North Pacific, with dramatic ecological change and effects on the coastal communities relying on the commercial and subsistence fisheries. The first disappearance has remained a mystery. As part of the NNA Marine Historical Ecology of the Pacific Cod Fishery team, and fusing historical research and ethnographic interviews with community elders and working fishermen in the Unangaxˆ community of Sand Point, we sought to understand the causes and consequences for the changing role of Pacific cod for dependent communities over time. While cod have returned to the Western Gulf for now, dependent communities remain in recovery, and other factors such as management, processor decisions, markets, and community dynamics have increased community vulnerability.
Presented by
Katherine Reedy <katherinereedy@isu.edu>
Institution
Idaho State University, Boston University, University of Oklahoma
Keywords
Unangax, Gulf of Alaska, Pacific cod, climate change

Tundra Engineering for Heritage, Health and Hazard Reduction on Coastal Berms in Utqiagvik, AK

Anne Garland, Lorene Lynn, Yvonne Biswokarma, Jasmine Biswokarma, Violet Thomas, Adele Thomas, Ellis Thomas, Qilaavsuk Vadivelo, Celso Ferreira

Abstract
1. Our poster presentation explores a pioneering tundra native plant introduction project aimed at fortifying coastal berms along the Arctic coast to safeguard Utqiagvik from seasonal storms. 2. Through meticulous monitoring of berm size and slope, our study delves into the impact of surges, comparing pre- and post-event conditions to assess the efficacy of our interventions. 3. Phase one of the project involved photographic documentation from 2016 to the present of plant growth and identification of species growing on the berms. The second phase has been the establishment of test plots, where we seed, transplant, and observe the natural migration of native plants. Over the next year we are monitoring plant density height, vigor, richness of species diversity, and soil composition.  4. Our research seeks to identify key factors influencing optimal plant growth for erosion reduction during storm surges. 5. Join us as we share insights gained from this ongoing initiative, shedding light on sustainable solutions to enhance community resilience in the face of Arctic coastal challenges.
Presented by
Anne Garland
Institution
ARIES - Applied Research in Environmental Sciences Nonprofit, Inc
Keywords
Arctic, coastal berms, green engineering

Integrating Art into STEM to Increase Engagement in Polar Science through Polar STEAM

Michelle Pratt

Abstract
Polar STEAM is an NSF-funded program run by an interdisciplinary team at Oregon State University and facilitates virtual and field-based collaborations with educators, creatives, and scientists conducting research in the polar regions. Polar STEAM is a broader impacts partner and offers facilitated matching with education professionals and collaboration support through an annual cohort model. Polar STEAM uses key STEAM principles including creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and cultural sensitivity to increase the accessibility of and engagement with polar science. Together, researchers, educators, and creatives explore Polar science, STEAM principles, and science communication to engage in meaningful collaborations that result in educational resources, creative products and shared learning.
Presented by
Michelle Pratt
Institution
Polar STEAM/Oregon State University
Keywords
Broader Impacts, Education, Art, Science Communication, STEM, STEAM

Reindeer foraging in Fennoscandia: Developing a study of changing snow conditions with Sami and Finnish reindeer herders

Karl J. Mertens

Abstract
Incidence of winter warm spells and rain-on-snow have led to snow conditions that increase the physical difficulty of domestic reindeer foraging across large parts of Fennoscandia. Snow structural conditions that in the past were far less common and led to regional migration or death from exhaustion, are now affecting herders constrained by fenced land use – forcing them to engage in supplemental feeding.

This project examines snow structure across the landscape and knowledge cocreation with herders to identify the landscape areas and snow conditions of concern to address research questions about supplemental feeding and the constraints of snow structure on reindeer feeding.

Presented by
Karl J. Mertens
Institution
Boise State University
Keywords
Winter warming, reindeer, fennoscandia, Sami, supplemental feeding, Finland, Norway

Impacts of Global Climate Change on Wind Gusts in Utqiagvik, Alaska: A Bayesian Analysis of Wind Speed, Temperature, and Turbulence

Hannah Wolf, Ralf Bennartz, Jonathan Gilligan

Abstract
Presented by
Hannah Wolf
Institution
Vanderbilt University, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Keywords

Discovering Data and Results from the NASA Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) Airborne Campaign

Elizabeth Hoy1,2, Scott Goetz3, Chip Miller4, Peter Griffith1,5, Elisabeth Larson1,5, Ryan Pavlick6,

Abstract
The Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) is a NASA Terrestrial Ecology field, airborne, and remote sensing campaign designed to understand environmental change in western North America. As part of ABoVE, an airborne campaign (the ABoVE Airborne Campaign, or AAC) was initially conducted from April through November 2017, with follow-on measurements made in 2018 and 2019, and 2022. Many flights during the AAC were coordinated with same-day ground-based measurements to link process-level studies with geospatial data products derived from satellite sensors. The data collected spans the critical intermediate space and time scales that are essential for a comprehensive understanding of scaling issues across the ABoVE Study Domain and extrapolation to the pan-Arctic. Results using this scaling strategy showed the fine-scale spatial distribution of intense methane emission hotspots near water bodies within the ABoVE domain; while others have developed maps of active layer thickness, soil moisture, and subsidence. Many of the datasets developed as part of ABoVE – both airborne data and derived data products – are freely available for download and use. Here we present an overview of airborne data products, highlight recent results, and discuss methods to discover and download available datasets.
Presented by
Elizabeth Hoy
Institution
1NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, 2 Global Science & Technology, Inc., 3Northern Arizona University, 4NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 5Science Systems Applications Inc., 6NASA Headquarters
Keywords
NASA ABoVE, arctic-boreal vulnerability experiment, scaling, terrestrial ecosystem science

Developing the next generation of vegetation biomass maps for the Arctic

Kathleen M. Orndahl, Logan T. Berner, Scott J. Goetz

Abstract
Arctic ecosystems are warming faster than anywhere else on Earth. This warming influences ecosystem processes and alters carbon balance across the Arctic, placing the region at the forefront of global climate change. Vegetation plays a crucial role in shaping the Arctic’s future by both responding to changes in climate and modulating potential changes. The distribution of vegetation across the landscape also influences the health and behavior of human and wildlife communities. To fully understand the status of Arctic ecosystems and how they are likely to change in the future, quantification of the distribution, extent and structure of Arctic vegetation is critical. Plant biomass is a fundamental ecosystem attribute that is sensitive to changes in climate, closely tied with ecological function and crucial for determining ecosystem carbon storage. This makes it a high priority characteristic for inventory and monitoring. We are developing the first pan-Arctic, moderate resolution (30 m) maps of total and woody above-ground plant biomass. We are leveraging the Landsat satellite record to create seasonal synthetic composites of spectral features and using these (together with a suite of additional predictors) alongside a new and unique database of plant biomass harvest data to model biomass using machine learning models. Biomass estimates will be paired with pixel-wise uncertainty values to facilitate judicious use of these products. Initial results suggest we are able to distinguish biomass presence vs. absence with high accuracy and quantify biomass with reasonable accuracy. These maps will represent the current status of Arctic plant biomass across the biome and can be used for myriad applications related to wildlife, carbon accounting, disturbances, climate modeling and more.
Presented by
Kathleen Orndahl
Institution
Northern Arizona University
Keywords
arctic; plant biomass; vegetation; remote sensing; machine learning; landsat; ecological change

Development and Validation of a Drinking Water Vulnerability Scale for Alaska Native Communities

Toby N. T. Nelson, Dr. Cristina Poleacovschi, Dr. Christina Gish Hill, Dr. Lina Sela, Dr. Matt Bartos, Dr. Bora Cetin.

Abstract
Presented by
Toby N. T. Nelson
Institution
Iowa State University, The University of Texas at Austin, Michigan State University
Keywords
Scale Development, Drinking Water Vulnerability, Consumer Perceptions

Arctic Fusion: Tales from the Frozen Lands.

Vera Kuklina

Abstract
Presented by
Vera Kuklina
Institution
George Washington University
Keywords

Permafrost Grown: Year 3 Project Update and Results Highlights

Research Team: Melissa K. Ward Jones, Benjamin M. Jones, Glenna Gannon, Tobias Schwoerer, Misha Z. Kanevskiy, Yuri Shur, Benjamin Gaglioti, Nicholas Parlato, Chien-Lu Ping, Daniel Stitch and Amber Agnew; Collaborating Farms: Ice Wedge Art and Farm, Goosefoot Farm, Boreal Peonies, Porcupine Ridge Farms, Offbeet Farm, Polar Peonies, Meyers Farm, Roughcut Farm, Slimtree Farm, and Gardens in the Arctic

Abstract
Poster abstract: Permafrost Grown is a transdisciplinary project with a research team from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and ten farms in Alaska that is co-producing knowledge to advance our understanding of the interactions and feedbacks between permafrost and agriculture and to develop management strategies for farmers. These high-latitude agricultural systems within permafrost-affected soils can face challenges from degrading permafrost that can lead to field abandonment. This presentation will give an overview of recent project activities and result highlights including partner-farmer generated research questions and how the research team is tackling these questions; results from a survey identifying problems related to permafrost thaw that farmers are experiencing; and a case study demonstrating how previous permafrost thaw and mitigation strategies are impacting present-day crop health. The presentation also highlights the research methods the project is using including using remote sensing techniques to map permafrost degradation, ground drilling, agricultural experiments, and soil monitoring using temperature and moisture sensors.
Presented by
Melissa Ward Jones
Institution
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Keywords
permafrost, agriculture, co-production

Ships, seaweed, and sand: Applications of satellite-derived nearshore bathymetry for societal benefit in Aasiaat, Kalaallit Nunaat

Casey Brayton, Kirsty Tinto, Aqqaluk Sørensen, Karl Brix Zinglersen, Jonny Kingslake

Abstract
Presented by
Casey Brayton
Institution
Columbia University/Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory
Keywords
bathymetry, navigation, marine habitat, open-source, FAIR, CARE

Co-producing ground truth in Arctic science

Caitlin D. Wylie, Hannah R. Bradley

Abstract
There are barriers to how scientists understand and appreciate the importance of local and Indigenous knowledges to the co-production of knowledge about Arctic environments (Wylie and Murillo 2023). In this poster, we ask whether using the framework of “ground truth” may help scientists overcome those barriers by recognizing various kinds of knowledge and knowledge-holders as valuable parts of research data and research teams. For scientists, ground truth is existing trusted data against which they can compare newly created data to assess the reliability of those data and the research methods that generated them. We propose framing co-production as a form of ground-truthing in which Indigenous knowledges serve as trusted, established data to verify emerging and uncertain scientific methods. This approach uses scientists’ language and methodological norms to empower Indigenous knowledge-holders, in opposition to the history of scientists trying to “verify” Indigenous knowledges by using Western knowledge as ground truth.
Presented by
Caitlin D. Wylie
Institution
University of Virginia, Dept. of Engineering and Society
Keywords
knowledge co-production, data validation, ethical research, Indigenous knowledges