Abstract
Strong cultural heritage management relies on a thorough evaluation of the threats faced by heritage sites, both in the present and in the future. In this study, we analysed the changes in the position of Hiorthhamn shoreline (Svalbard), which is affecting coastal cultural heritage sites, for a period of 93 years (1927–2020). Shoreline changes were mapped by using maps, ortophotos, drone images, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), and topographic surveys. Also, TLS was used to 3D document the endangered coastal cultural heritage sites. Detailed sedimentological and morphological mapping was made in the field and from the newly acquired drone images in order to understand shoreline-landscape interaction and to depict changes occurring from 2019 to 2020. Short-term (2019–2020) and long-term (1927–2020) shoreline erosion/accretion was made with the help of the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) and prompted a subdivision of three sectors, based on change pattern. Compared to a previous long-term analysis (1927–2019), this year’s average erosion rate analysis (expressed by the EPR parameter) for the 93-year period is −0.14 m/yr. This shift in mean development is due to a newly formed spit-bar in Sector 2. Referring strictly to Sector 1, where the protected cultural heritage objects are located, the erosion rate increased from the previous analysis of –0.76 m/yr to −0.77 m/yr. The shoreline forecast analysis highlights that half of the protected cultural heritage objects will likely disappear over the next decade and almost all the cultural heritage objects analysed in this study will disappear in roughly two decades. This shows the great danger the Arctic’s cultural heritage sites is in if no mitigation measures are undertaken by the local authorities.
Highlights
Coastal areas are one of the most dynamic landforms on Earth and are under the direct effects of natural processes and anthropic interventions.Throughout history, coastal areas have acted as a magnet when it comes to attracting humans [1]
The present study aims to raise awareness and to report the results obtained following two field campaigns (2019 and 2020) made at an iconic Arctic cultural heritage site located in Hiorthhamn, Adventfjorden (Svalbard)
2020 focused on a better understanding of the sediments which are underlying many of the registered cultural heritage sites and which are currently being rapidly eroded by wave action
Summary
Coastal areas are one of the most dynamic landforms on Earth and are under the direct effects of natural processes (sea-level rise, long- and short-term geological processes) and anthropic interventions (deforestations, urbanisation, changes in the habitat, etc.).Throughout history, coastal areas have acted as a magnet when it comes to attracting humans [1]. Coastal areas are one of the most dynamic landforms on Earth and are under the direct effects of natural processes (sea-level rise, long- and short-term geological processes) and anthropic interventions (deforestations, urbanisation, changes in the habitat, etc.). Coastal areas around the globe are under the direct effects of climatic changes; this has been reflected by numerous studies around the world showing increased erosion rates [2,3]. The Arctic coastal landscapes are especially sensitive to climate-change-induced morphological processes, from which they were previously protected due to permafrost and seasonal sea ice. Arctic coastal areas can experience erosion rates higher or similar to those in temperate regions because of some specific processes that are characteristic for these areas (extreme temperatures leading to shrinking ice cover and longer fetch lengths for waves, storm surge effects, and thawing permafrost) [5,6,7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
