Drivers, dynamics and impacts of changing Arctic coasts

Arctic coasts are increasingly affected by erosion and flooding, owing to decreasing sea ice, thawing permafrost and rising sea levels. This Review examines the changes in Arctic coastal morphodynamics and discusses the broader impacts on Arctic systems. Arctic coasts are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and the loss of permafrost, sea ice and glaciers. Assessing the influence of anthropogenic warming on Arctic coastal dynamics, however, is challenged by the limited availability of observational, oceanographic and environmental data. Yet, with the majority of permafrost coasts being erosive, coupled with projected intensification of erosion and flooding, understanding these changes is critical. In this Review, we describe the morphological diversity of Arctic coasts, discuss important drivers of coastal change, explain the specific sensitivity of Arctic coasts to climate change and provide an overview of pan-Arctic shoreline change and its multifaceted impacts. Arctic coastal changes impact the human environment by threatening coastal settlements, infrastructure, cultural sites and archaeological remains. Changing sediment fluxes also impact the natural environment through carbon, nutrient and pollutant release on a magnitude that remains difficult to predict. Increasing transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration efforts will build the foundation for identifying sustainable solutions and adaptation strategies to reduce future risks for those living on, working at and visiting the rapidly changing Arctic coast.

Automated summary

Arctic coasts are facing increasing erosion and flooding due to decreasing sea ice, thawing permafrost, and rising sea levels. This review examines the changes in Arctic coastal morphodynamics and discusses their broader impacts on Arctic systems. Climate change has a significant impact on Arctic coasts, including the loss of permafrost, sea ice, and glaciers, as well as rising sea levels. However, assessing the influence of anthropogenic warming on Arctic coastal dynamics is challenging due to limited availability of data. Despite this challenge, understanding these changes is critical as the majority of permafrost coasts are erosive, and erosion and flooding are projected to intensify.