Russian Academy of Sciences proposes developing integrated permafrost monitoring system

© RIA Novosti / Alexandr KryazhevIce formations on the walls of an underground laboratory at the Institute of Permafrost Studies in Yakutsk
Ice formations on the walls of an underground laboratory at the Institute of Permafrost Studies in Yakutsk
An integrated state monitoring system will provide verified data to foresee and minimize risks for the infrastructure, economic activities, and the environment, states a presidium meeting report by the Press Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
There are currently 78 perennially frozen rock monitoring stations in Yakutia, the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area, the Krasnoyarsk Territory, and the Magadan Region. These stations are opening not only in the Arctic region but also across the whole area of permanently frozen grounds. The second phase of the project, along with 62 new stations, are planned for this year.
As the next step, the infrastructure in the Russian Arctic will be adapted to the new climate conditions. The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic cooperated with scientists to create a comprehensive adaptation plan that includes the construction of an integrated research center.
Deputy Minister of Construction Sergei Muzychenko notes that an integrated data collection and analysis center is particularly needed by construction teams as developers currently conduct uncoordinated local monitoring.
The President has also instructed to develop an updated strategy for the development of the Far Eastern Federal District, with climate change response measures.
“It is necessary to expand the analysis from monitoring and forecasting to compiling a registry of technologies used in Russia and internationally, and to ranking them by costs,” Minister for the Development of the Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov said.
He added that most effective measures will be implemented in the regions where climate change is already impacting people’s lives and infrastructure stability.
Temperature-recording hole
Temperature-recording holes will be drilled in Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area to study permafrost