Nuna Sisoortoq – Natural Hazards of Mudslides and Permafrost Detachment in Sedimentary Environments
PhD student: Steffen Ringsø Nielsen
Institutions: Danish technical University – Arctic DTU; Aarhus University – HydroGeophysics Group; and University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
The purpose of NUNA SISOORTOQ is to contribute with new knowledge regarding the increasing number of landslides occurring because of thawing permafrost and heavy precipitation. Through this project, knowledge is gathered about the reaction of permafrost to various climatic variables such as rainfall, surface temperature, solar radiation, and wind. The final product is a geohazard map for landslides regarding infrastructure and people in the region.
The project is conducted in collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark – DTU Arctic, Aarhus University – HydroGeophysics Group, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).
The project is primarily carried out between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq due to the presence of the three permafrost states: sporadic, discontinuous, and continuous. This provides the opportunity to extrapolate the results to other areas in Greenland with similar sedimentology and permafrost setting.
The first step in the project involves mapping landslides between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq using satellite images to gather knowledge about the natural conditions that create the framework for landslides. Subsequently, the collected data is used for modelling all potential landslide locations in the surveyed area. Based on the developed model, areas of specific interest are identified for further investigations, which are conducted using geophysical methods. The methods used include the towed transient electromagnetic method (tTEM), a system that can be towed behind an ATV and snowmobile, enabling mapping of permafrost across the entire transect from Sisimiut to Kangerlussuaq. The second method is a system of borehole electric resistivity tomography (ERT), which, in conjunction with a weather station, provides a highly detailed picture of how permafrost reacts to climate variation. In the final phase of the project, all collected data will be used to create a detailed map of the hazard posed by landslides in the local area. This part is done in collaboration with UAF and Masanti – Sisimiut.
For the fieldwork in Sisimiut, engineering students from DTU will be involved, ensuring that future Greenlandic engineers gain knowledge of geophysics and how it can be used in the Arctic to study permafrost. There will be public demonstrations of the system for citizens in Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq, and a geophysical educational program will be offered to KTI in Sisimiut. All results arising from the project will be made freely available to the public.
Granted: DKK 2.635.200
