Coastal retreat at Kharasaveyskoye gas and condensate field area, Kara Sea, Russia since 1970s

Abstract

Changes in coastal retreat rates, both spatial and temporal, are considered at the area of Kharasaveyskoye gas and condensate field for the period before the exploration till now. In the study area, the presence of permafrost makes the erosional coasts vulnerable to rising temperatures. The increase in air temperatures contributes to the thawing of coastal sediments and their accelerated destruction. And a decrease in sea ice area potentially increases the wave fetch. The rapidly changing climate of the Arctic should influence the processes of destruction of frozen coasts. At West Yamal Peninsula near Cape Kharasavey the average coastal retreat rate is 1.1 m per year (1977-2016) for 7 km of coastline. Based on the analysis of multi-temporal aerial and space images, it has been established that the maximum retreat rates are typical of coastal segments composed of icy sediments. As for temporal variability, the maximum rate of destruction was observed in 1977-1988 (up to 6.5 m per year) immediately after the beginning of economic development of the territory. In this key site, human impact affects the rate of coastal destruction more than variations in hydrometeorological parameters.