Effect of Global Warming on Arctic Coastal and Offshore Engineering

Abstract

The current trend of global warming is expected to produce some of its most significant changes in Arctic ocean and coastal areas. As the average air and sea temperatures increase, sea level will rise and the polar ice pack, shrink. Wave action may increase and the coastal permafrost, degrade, resulting in widespread inundation and flooding of low‐lying areas. There will, however, be beneficial changes for man's activities, such as longshore navigation and offshore construction. The rapid evolution of Arctic technology should enable the application of engineering measures that will mitigate the adverse impacts and enhance the beneficial development of the Arctic.