Arctic Cyclones, Climate Change, and Potential Impacts on Human Settlement and Navigation
Abstract:
<p>Abstract: An increasing presence of cyclones within the Arctic Circle may be linked with an increased rate of melting ice sheets in this region, caused by rising temperatures associated with climate change. As temperatures increase, pressure cores of Arctic cyclones drop, resulting in stronger winds, larger temperature variations, and heavier precipitation. Not only are cyclones intensifying in the winter, but they potentially continue intensifying in the spring too, which can lead to later summer melting of sea ice. These storms threaten marine navigation and human settlements in the Arctic Circle. Cyclones generate higher waves that lead to increased coastal erosion. If projected climate conditions are realized, devastation from cyclones could intensify. This poster aims to present a series of overlaid maps within a Geographic Information System (GIS) to display human settlement patterns, projected cyclone-induced coastal wave height, and precipitation amounts in the Arctic Circle. The findings of this project will benefit geographers and environmental scholars alike who are intrigued by the impacts of Arctic Cyclones on the human geography and activity of this region.</p>
