Arctic climate warming and sea ice declines lead to increased storm surge activity

Abstract

The combined effects of climate warming (i.e., increased storminess, reduced sea ice extent, and rising sea levels) make low-lying Arctic coastal regions particularly susceptible to storm surges. The Mackenzie Delta, a biologically significant and resource-rich region in northwestern Canada, is particularly vulnerable to flooding by storm surges. To properly manage the consequences of climate warming for Arctic residents, infrastructure, and ecosystems, a better understanding of the influence of climate change on storm surge activity is required. Here we use particle size analysis of lake sediment records to show that the occurrence and magnitude of storm surges in the outer Mackenzie Delta are significantly related to temperature and that the frequency and intensity of storm surges is increasing. Our results demonstrate the effects of changing climate on storm surge activity and provide a cautionary example of the threat of inundation to low-lying Arctic coastal environments under future climate warming scenarios. Key Points Arctic storm surge activity is related to climate warming and reduced sea ice A 1999 surge in the Mackenzie Delta was the most severe in at least 400 years As the Arctic warms, planning for increased storm surge activity is required ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.