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Civil engineers design buildings, roads, and utility pipelines in the Arctic to rest on firm frozen ground. But as permafrost thaws due to increased air temperature, the ground subsides and infrastructure fails. This paper assesses the current tools used for mapping Arctic geohazard for civil infrastructure planning in the warming Arctic. We formulate an integrated framework to inform science-based decisions and policymaking in response to the ongoing environmental changes. This study first conducts a systematic review of the Arctic geohazard mapping tools. Tools used for Arctic geohazard mapping fall into three categories: analytical or statistical equations for geohazard assessment, modeling approaches for predicting the extent of permafrost degradation, and remote and in-situ sensing for monitoring the natural and built environments and data collection. A description of these tools, along with their limitations and applicability, is provided. Co-production of knowledge is important in developing a robust geohazard assessment tool. Based on the scientific and gray literature, however, we find that the literature of the use of knowledge co-production in the development of evaluation tools outside of health care and public governance is highly sparse. Through the review of Arctic geohazard mapping tools, we provide an integrated framework for Arctic high spatial-resolution multi-geohazards evaluation for civil infrastructure planning. Indigenous knowledge and local observations are included in the proposed framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial oxidation of methane in biocover is considered a promising technology for the mitigation of methane emissions from landfills. In the present paper, the behaviour (evolution of methane and oxygen concentration, volumetric water content and temperature) and performance under freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) conditions are investigated by column experiments. In the utilizing of column experiments, three columns are developed, manufactured, prepared and treated by a period of methane injection (0 FTC), after 1 FTC and 2 FTCs, in three respective stages. One column is instrumented with various sensors to monitor the evolution of temperature, volumetric water content, settlement and gas composition at four different depths for one of the biocover columns. In addition, laboratory testing is carried out on the biocover samples with regards to their organic content and grain size distribution. The results show that two FTCs have effect on the methane removal of compost biocover as well as influence the evolution of the volumetric water content, temperature, settlement, gas composition and organic content of the biocover. However, these effects and influence are more significant in the upper layers (≤ 15 cm) of the compost biocover column. The results presented in this paper will contribute to a better design of landfill biocovers in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glacier melt water is an important water resource in arid regions of central Asia during the dry seasons, and it is very susceptible to climate disturbances. In this paper, based on the glacier datasets of the first and second Chinese Glacier Inventories, the glacier change in the Chinese Tien Shan from 1960s to 2010 was quantify by assessing the Annual Percentages of Area Changes ( APAC ), Annual Percentages of Volume Changes ( APVC ), and Equilibrium Line Altitude ( ELA ). The results indicated that the mean glacier area and mean glacier volume decreased by 0.7% ± 0.6% per year and 0.83% ± 0.73% per year in the Chinese Tien Shan during the period of 1960–2010, respectively. The mean ELA increased by 24.87 ± 126.84 m during the study period. In addition, we also found that the glacier retreat in the Bogda Mountains was the fastest, mainly due to the sensitivity of small glaciers to climate change, with an APAC of −0.86% ± 0.49% per year and APVC of −1.04% ± 0.55% per year, and the mean ELA increased by 44.35 ± 55.07 m. Moreover, increases in both air temperature (in terms of Thawing Degree-Day (TDD) and Freezing Degree-Day (FDD)) and precipitation were found over the study area during the past five decades. However, such increases in precipitation did not result in any significant changes in the ratio of annual snowfall to total precipitation (S/P) across the Chinese Tien Shan Mountains. Hence, the glacier shrinkage mainly resulted from the significant increase in TDD and FDD in the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the abundance of wind resources in cold climates, a significant share of the worldwide wind energy installed capacity is located in those areas. However, the advantages of cold climate operation comes with challenges associated with ice accretion. Throughout the years, alternative operational strategies have been developed to cope with these challenges. Although many strategies, such as blade heating, have been commercially available for a long time, few field studies have investigated their performance. Evaluating the performance of wind turbines in cold climates is a hard task due to the lack standards and the variability of external factors influencing turbine behaviour. In this paper, a methodology to assess the performance of wind turbines in cold climates is illustrated with a case study. This methodology aims to provide a better understanding of how ice accretion impacts wind turbine performance. This methodology was exemplified with a case study where the performance of a turbine equipped with a retrofit hot air ice protection system was analyzed over a 9-day icing event. It was found that the usage of the cold climate solution yielded an average energy gain of 159 MWh and an average potential recovery of 62%. • Proposition of a methodology for assessing the performance of cold climate solutions for wind turbines. • Description of the process of power curve modelling, selection of control turbines and interpretation of icing events. • Case study of a 9-day icing event where the performance of a turbine with an ice protection system is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in winter low flow (WLF) in cold-region rivers affect engineering design, water quality, and river ecosystem health. This paper aims to quantify to what extent WLF will change under climate warming and to propose a practical forecasting model for WLF predictions. The new concept of cumulative watershed temperature (CWT) is used as a convenient lumped surrogate for complicated hydrological processes that influence WLF. Statistical analyses of century-long flow data from the Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada show a strong dependence of WLF on CWT. In winter season, time series of CWT and WLF are shown to each divide into a falling and a rising limb at the data point of their lowest values, being −358 °C and 827 m3/s (historical averages), respectively. The falling and rising limbs describe the cumulative freezing and thawing effects of air temperatures fluctuating around the freezing point on WLF changes. The correlation between CWT and WLF (time series) data points on the rising limbs forms the forecasting model, expressing WLF as a function of CWT in terms of their z-scores. The model takes input of Global Circulation Model (GCM) projections of temperature increases by the end of 21st century under different Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), and predicts changes of Fraser River WLF from the historical average. RCP4.5 causes a 22.6% increase (ensemble average from six GCMs). RCP8.5 increases WLF by 20% (for some future years) to 44% (for others). The methods reported in this paper can be adapted to other cold regions. • Climate warming causes future winter low flow of the Fraser River in B.C. to increase. • Cumulative watershed air temperature controls the magnitude of winter low flow. • Design low flows from traditional methods need corrections due to climate warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The project “Winter Model” started at the beginning of the 2000s. The idea was to try and predict the consequences of different winter maintenance strategies and to calculate the associated socio-economic costs. It is now possible to calculate and validate the impact that different winter maintenance measures have on road users, road authorities and local communities. This paper contains results of the first complete Winter Model calculations using existing conditions. Comparisons with different road classification standards have been carried out in order to determine the effect they have on socio-economic costs. Road classification standards dictate how much snow should fall before a maintenance action is initiated and how long it should take until the action is completed. Socio-economic costs increased for all comparisons when reductions in the classification standard were applied. As an example of how costs can vary: the scenario is a salted road using a combined plough and salt spreader where the allowed time to complete the action is 4 h that is changed to an unsalted road with an allowed time to complete the action of 5 h. Both scenarios have an action start criteria of 2 cm deep snow, and an annual average daily traffic flow of 2000. Comparison results show that the change from salted to unsalted road saves the most cost due to a reduction in salt use and required actions. However, the increased time to complete the action will result in slightly longer travel times and accident costs will increase by 24.2%. The extended action hour affect fuel consumption in a positive way, for example, consumption decreases slightly due to driving more often at lower speeds on unclear roads. By lowering the road classification standard like in this example, total socio-economic costs increased by 3.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change impact on existing infrastructure built on permafrost is of concern to many engineers and scientists. Some studies predict widespread collapse of the existing infrastructure. Adapting structures in the permafrost region to climate change is an important contemporary issue. In this paper, we analyze impacts of permanent and seasonal thermal insulation on permafrost temperature. An analysis of the available data shows that permanent thermal insulation increases the permafrost temperature when the soil surface is exposed to seasonal air temperature variations and when the mean annual soil surface temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F). We study the thermal impact of seasonal insulation applied in the spring and removed in the autumn to restrict summer heat flow into the ground. The absence of thermal insulation in winter permits soil cooling. We present the results from two-dimensional thermal analyses of a building in the discontinuous permafrost zone. These results show the effectiveness of seasonal thermal insulation. Summer seasonal thermal insulation on the soil surface in a ventilated crawl space decreases permafrost temperature and can be valuable for increasing foundation integrity in a warming climate. The impact of seasonally installed thermal insulation on permafrost increases as the thawing index increases. Seasonal thermal insulation is especially valuable in the discontinuous permafrost zone, where bearing capacity of shallow foundations and adfreeze strength of frozen soil with piles are sensitive to minor soil temperature changes. The method is adaptive and flexible, and the initial cost is low, all of which are important considerations given the uncertainties of climate warming. Using seasonal insulation permits an incremental response to future climate warming conditions as they occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permafrost is very sensitive to climate factors, with warm permafrost particularly vulnerable to climate change. This paper aims to provide a detailed case study of climate trends of a high-latitude Alaskan site underlain by warm permafrost based on historical data and predictions from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). The climate data, including air temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and their annual and seasonal trends from 1950 to 2099, are presented for Bethel, Alaska. The downscaled data are compared with the historical data in the overlap period. Both air and design freezing and thawing indices are calculated using various methods. In comparison, the downscaled model predictions align well with air temperature and wind speed records but not for precipitation, indicating the need for further downscaling at a finer resolution. The historical annual temperature records show a warming rate of 0.40 °C per decade, which is predicted to almost double to 0.78 °C per decade in the 21st century, leading to shorter winters and longer summers. The historical annual precipitation increased by a rate of 14.8 mm per decade from 1950 to 2020, and this trend is predicted to continue but at a slightly lower rate. The wind speed decreased consistently from 1984 to 2020 by 0.9 km/h per decade. However, the CMIP5 predicts that such a trend will diminish, with the mean annual wind speed remaining almost unchanged in this century. The air freezing index exhibits a consistent downtrend from 1950 to 2020, whereas the air thawing index remained flat until 1980 and rose afterward; the CMIP5 predicts that both trends will continue in the 21st century. The design air freezing and thawing indices are sensitive to the assessment periods for both methods. An assessment period shorter than 30 years, e.g., ten years, is recommended to find design indices. It is conservative to use the monthly mean air temperature method for evaluating the design air freezing index and apply the extreme event method for the design thawing index. • Compare downscaled model data at a finer resolution with other models in CMIP5. • Assess the design freezing and thawing indices by two methods with varying periods. • Recommend methods and periods for evaluating design freezing/thawing indices. • Discuss climate change effects on infrastructure, design strategies, future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In allusion to the problems of the frozen soil engineering geology, the roadbed stability with climate change in construction of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway (QTR), this paper provides overview of the frozen soil engineering problems before and during the QTR constructions. Based on the experiences and lessons learned from the road construction in permafrost areas, the authors recommended that the principle of “positive cooling” of the railroad roadbed by lowering permafrost temperatures should be used in the design of the QTR, rather than that of “passive protection” of permafrost through increasing thermal resistance of the roadway, such as simply increasing fill thickness and/or using thermal-insulation materials. This is especially important for the road sections in warm, ice-rich permafrost areas. In addition, this paper reviews several methods for “cooled roadbed” by controlling radiation, convection and conduction through modifying roadway structure and using different fill materials. Meanwhile, the authors also provide information on some existing problems and future monitoring programs along the QTR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD) in northern Alberta is one of the world's largest inland freshwater deltas, home to large populations of waterfowl, muskrat, beaver, and free-ranging wood bison. Following construction of the Bennett Dam in the late 1960s, a paucity of ice-jam flooding in the lower Peace River has resulted in prolonged dry periods and considerable reduction in the area covered by lakes and ponds that provide habitat for aquatic life in the PAD region. Past studies have shown that both regulation and climate have contributed to the drying trend, via increased freezeup levels and reduced breakup flows, respectively. However, it has not so far been possible to assess the relative impacts of these two factors. This question is addressed herein by developing quantitative relationships based on the concept of conditional probability. The new methodology is first tested against observed frequencies of ice-jam floods both before and after regulation; it is subsequently applied to quantify the effects of climate and of regulation on the post-regulation reduction in ice-jam flood frequency. The results indicate that both factors have contributed significantly to the drying of the PAD, with regulation having had the more pronounced effect. Complications that may arise from secondary effects of regulation on breakup flows or of climate on freezeup levels are discussed and quantified. It is shown that such effects do not alter the overall conclusions of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Permafrost is a physical geographic phenomenon that is sensitive to temperature, and climate change has a great effect on alpine permafrost distributions. Based on topographic and meteorological factors and a benchmark map of alpine permafrost distribution, this paper puts forward a GIS-based empirical permafrost model. This model uses a multi-criteria approach to derive the permafrost distribution in 5-year intervals in the Qilian Mountains over the past 30years. The simulation results show that: (1) the model can use multiple factors to simulate alpine permafrost, which can reduce dependence on field survey data. (2) The simulated distribution of alpine permafrost presents an overall degraded tendency, about 17.11% of which has decreased over the past 30years. (3) Based on the climate change tendency, simulated Qilian permafrost will continue to degrade about 0.51×104 km2 over the next 15years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Deep borehole temperature profiles have successfully been used to reconstruct past ground surface temperature history and the results are dependent on the inversion methods. These methods are tedious and sometimes unstable in iterative computation. In this paper, we propose a new fundamental solution method to reconstruct the past ground surface temperature variation, which depends on the assumption that ground temperature field in a homogeneous region is governed by a one-dimensional heat conductive equation. To regularize the resultant ill-conditioned linear system of equations, we apply successfully both the Tikhonov regularization technique and the generalized cross validation parameter choice rule to obtain a stable approximation solution of the ill-posed inverse problem. Our new method is stable and meshless, and it does not require iteration. We conducted idealized simulations with good results. We also used in-situ borehole data of RU-Yakutia329 from Yakutia, Siberia and CN-XZ-naqu903 from Naqu, Qinghai–Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau to validate our new approach. Results from these borehole studies show a warming of 0.1 and 2.3°C, respectively, in the past 450years. When comparing to the results from previous studies, the RU-Yakutia329 study has the same magnitude of warming, while the magnitude of warming at Naqu is slightly smaller. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In cold region, the seasonal effects like changes in freeze–thaw should be investigated with respect to their influence on permanent settlement of foundation under long-term low-level repeated cyclic loading. Thereby, the influence of freeze–thaw processes on the accumulative axial strain of clays under long-term low-level repeated cyclic loading was investigated by conducting cyclic tri-axial tests and a numerical model for calculating the accumulative axial strain was proposed based on the experience observation in this paper. The normalized accumulative axial strain of clays increases significantly subjected to one freeze–thaw cycle, then decreases and tends up to be stable with the subsequent freeze–thaw cycles. The normalized accumulative axial strain increases with the increasing repeated cyclic stress amplitude, moisture content of samples and the number of loading cycles, but decreases with the increasing confining pressure. The modification parameters ηFT and functions fampl , fC , fW and fN were proposed to consider the effects of the influence factors and were implemented into the accumulative strain model. In this model, all of the calculating procedures were explicit and all material constants of clays were presented. Therefore, the accumulative strain model can be used to predict the settlement of foundation under long-term low-level repeated cyclic loading in cold region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In cold region, precipitation, air temperature and snow cover significantly influenced soil water and heat transfer, and thus freezing–thawing processes of active soil layer. On the basic of physical processes of water and heat balances and their transfers in the snow covered soil, a water-heat coupling model for snow cover and its underlying soil layers was established in this paper. Numerical solution of the model was conducted by a full-implicit finite volume method. Observation data of snow cover depth, soil water content and active soil depth at two typical sites in the northeast of Three-River Source Region of China were selected for model calibration and validation. The results indicate that the model can capture soil freezing–thawing processes at the two sites. Simulated results reveal that variations of soil water content, soil temperature and soil freezing depth depend on climate conditions of air temperature, precipitation and snow cover as well. In comparison of the simulated results at two sites, we know that thick snow cover hinders temperature transfer from air to soil, resulting in prolonging the time lag between air and soil temperatures, decreasing variations of soil temperature and soil water content and reducing soil freezing depths of active soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Embankment settlement is closely related to the process of degrading of underling permafrost. Previous studies have focused on the process of permafrost degradation under natural ground surfaces, and the degradation process under roadway embankments has yet to be investigated. With the influence of climate warming, this study becomes more and more important in the analysis of embankment settlement. In this paper, based on the in-situ geothermal data of up to 15years of 5 typical sections along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway (QTH), the characteristics of permafrost degradation are extensively investigated. According to the characteristics, the trends of thawing and temperature rise in the process of permafrost degradation are analyzed. Corresponding to the tendencies, four stages are defined according to the mean annual ground temperature (MAGT). Combining the features of permafrost degradation in each stage with the in-situ data of embankment settlements along QTH, the sources of the embankment settlement are identified. The main results are as follows. The permafrost degrades extensively in the five typical sections with different characteristics. With the increase in MAGT, the thawing rate firstly increases and then fluctuates as temperature rise rate increases and then decreases at MAGT of about −0.5°C. The four stages are divided: initial degradation stage, for MAGT≤−2.5°C; the intensive degradation stage, for −2.5°C0°C. When MAGT is less than about −1.2°C, the main contribution of total settlement is probably thawing settlement, with the negligible creep of permafrost; when MAGT higher than −1.2°C, creep of permafrost starts to have an increasing share in the total settlement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examines the influence of climate change on the temperature of a debris slope surface in the zone of sporadic permafrost occurrence in the Tatra Mountains. This involved applications of linear regression equations which describe statistical dependence of the ground surface temperature (GST) upon the current air temperature in snow-free periods, or upon the previous air temperature and snow depth. These equations are validated using the daily air temperature and snow depth at a reference synoptic station and GST at 5 sites located in different topographic conditions. In order to estimate mean winter half-year, mean summer half-year and mean annual GST at these sites in hydrological years 1955–2010, archival meteorological data were used. The maximum errors in these estimations, determined for two reference years, were 0.5°C, 0.2°C and 0.1°C respectively. The results show that the debris slopes thermal sensitivity to climate warming decreases with the increase of: a) shading, 2) altitude, and 3) depth of seasonal snow cover. In general, the changes of the air temperature influence the changes of mean annual ground surface temperature more in snow-free periods than in snow periods, whereas the degradation of orographically conditioned permafrost patches occurs faster in the places where snow cover is thin during the whole winter. The decrease of the depth of a thick snow cover may be accompanied by the decrease of its bottom temperature, despite the increase of the winter air temperature. We infer that in special orographic-nival conditions, the increase of mean annual air temperature may be accompanied by the decrease of mean annual ground surface temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Climate change-induced reduction in the extent and duration of sea ice cover, as well as an increase in energy demands, has caused renewed interest in exploring and drilling for oil in Arctic waters. Superstructure icing from sea spray and atmospheric icing in the Arctic may impact offshore platform operations. Though icing has not caused the loss of an offshore platform, it can reduce safety, operational tempo, and productivity. Historically, many ice protection technologies were tested on offshore platforms with little success. However, new technologies and modern versions of old technologies used successfully in aviation, the electric power industry, and ground transportation systems, may be adapted to an offshore environment. This paper provides a framework for assessing the relative threat of ice accumulation types, such as superstructure ice, glaze, rime, frost, and snow, to the safety of platform functions. A review of ice protection strategies for functional platform areas is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The proposed China–Russia Crude Oil Pipeline (CRCOP) will be subjected to strong frost heave and thaw settlement of the surrounding soil as it traverses permafrost and seasonally frozen ground areas in Northeastern China. The freezing–thawing processes, the development of the maximum frozen cylinder in taliks and thawed cylinder in permafrost areas, and the variations in the maximum freezing depths under the pipeline in taliks and thawing depths in different permafrost regions near Mo''he station, the first pumping station in China, were studied in detail using numerical methods in this paper. The inlet oil temperature at Mo''he station was assumed to vary from 10 to −6°C in a sine wave form during the preliminary design phase. Research results showed that the freezing–thawing processes of soils surrounding the buried pipeline had distinct differences from those in the undisturbed ground profile in permafrost areas. In summer, there was downward thawing from the ground surface and upward and downward thawing from the pipeline''s surface once the temperature of the oil rose above 0°C. In winter, downward freezing began from the ground surface but upward and downward cooling of the cylinder around the pipeline didn''t begin until the temperature of the oil dropped below 0°C. However, in the undisturbed ground profile, downward thawing from the ground surface occurred in summer and downward freezing from the ground surface and upward freezing from the permafrost table occurred in winter. The maximum thawing depths and thawed cylinder around the pipeline in warm permafrost enlarged with elapsing time and decreasing water content of the soils. In taliks, the maximum freezing depths and frozen cylinder around the pipeline kept shrinking with elapsing time and increasing water content of the soils. The freezing–thawing processes and development of the thawed and frozen cylinders around the pipeline were muted by any insulation layer surrounding the pipeline. Insulation had better thermal moderating on the heat exchange between the pipeline and the surrounding soils during the early operating period. But its role slowly weakened after a long-term operating. Research results will provide the basis for assessment and forecasting of engineering geological conditions, analysis of mechanical stability of the pipeline, foundation design, and pipeline construction and maintenance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Slushflows are gravity driven mass flows consisting of a mixture of snow and water, which exhibit considerable damage potential for endangered areas. An increase in global temperature and winter rain precipitation could lead to more frequent slushflow events, requiring the need to redesign protective measures. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the flow rheology of small scale slushflows (volumes of 10–15 m3) using the 30 m long and 2.5 m wide snow chute of the Swiss Federal Institute of Snow and Avalanche Research at Weissfluhjoch, Davos, Switzerland. Velocity profiles, dynamic pressure, basal and normal shear stresses and flow height data were recorded in order to test suitable instruments for slushflow measurements. From the obtained data, the order of magnitude of the drag factor for slushflows interacting with obstacles could be estimated. Furthermore, an empirical guess of the effective viscosity of the slush could be extracted from the data. We give an overview of the experimental setup and discuss the experimental problems arising from the specific characteristics of slushflows. First results are presented, which indicate that the drag might be considerably higher than the estimates commonly used for dry flowing avalanches. Compared to dry snow avalanches, comparable (at similar velocities) shear and normal stresses seem to be higher in slushflows. The analysis of shear stress versus normal stress indicates some visco-plastic behavior. The results imply that slushflows have to be considered when choosing a design criteria for avalanche protection measures wherever this kind of flows can occur. The results from the chute experiments are discussed with respect to the development of numerical models of slushflows and a future adaptation of the optical velocity measurement devices to slushflows. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The thermal convection of fluid inside ballast layer and ripped-rock layer, which are regarded as porous media in railway embankment, is the process of heat and mass transfer. In this paper, in order to research the influence of different embankment structures and geometries on the underlying permafrost thermal regime along Qinghai-Tibetan Railway, a numerical representation of the unsteady two-dimensional continuity, momentum (non-Darcy) and energy equations of thermal convection for incompressible fluid in porous media is used to analyze temperature characteristics of a traditional ballast embankment, a horizontal ripped-rock embankment and two U-shaped ripped-rock embankments for the 50 years. The calculated results indicate: (1) the traditional ballast embankment will cause the great degradation of the underlying permafrost under the assumption that the air temperature will warm up 2.6 °C in the 50 years; (2) the U-shaped ripped-rock embankment with 150-cm-thick ripped-rock layer and 160-cm-wide ripped-rock revetment can efficiently protect the underlying permafrost. However, 120-cm-thick horizontal ripped-rock layer has weak cooling effect. Therefore, the horizontal ripped-rock layer thickness is a very important factor to the effect of ripped-rock embankment. These analyses indicate that reasonable ripped-rock embankment structure and embankment geometry can provide an effective mechanism for preserving permafrost under trend of global warming and avoiding large deformation and embankment failure due to thaw settlement in high-temperature permafrost regions along Qinghai-Tibetan Railway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Arctic sea ice plays a crucial role in the global climate system, acting as both an indicator and an amplifier of climate change. Sea ice mass balance, which is simply the net difference between ice grown and ice melted, is an important parameter that can connect changes in ice thickness to environmental forcings. Opportunities for long-term observations of sea ice mass balance have been greatly expanded by the use of autonomous ice mass balance buoys, which are able to resolve changes to local ice mass balance by measuring time series of snow depth and ice surface and bottom position. This paper presents the design for a newly improved Seasonal Ice Mass Balance buoy (referred to as SIMB-3) that was created to enhance the ability to monitor mass balance with design features that maximize reliability and survivability, reduce installation difficultly, and reduce cost. Operational advancements were also made to make the buoy easy to manufacture, ship worldwide, and assemble in the cold. A custom low-cost datalogger-controller was developed to operate the mass balance sensor package while allowing future expandability for use with non-standard instruments. Several test deployments were conducted in 2018, and the instrument demonstrated ability to successfully collect mass balance data in seasonal sea ice. Results from one of these test deployments in the Beaufort Sea during April 2018, are presented and discussed. • An updated autonomous Ice Mass Balance Buoy is presented. • The device was created for in situ measurement of thin, seasonal, sea ice. • The instrument was designed to be highly reliable, low cost, and user-friendly. • The device allows attribution of change to oceanic and atmospheric forcings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]