Aberdeen University is pioneering the creation of an Arctic digital twin, specifically focusing on Svalbard, one of Earth's most rapidly warming regions. This virtual replica, utilising AI and satellite data, aims to track climate change in real-time, offering a scientifically grounded tool for understanding and predicting Arctic weather patterns.
The Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS), an existing initiative, has been studying the environment and climate in and around Svalbard to develop an efficient observing system, sharing technology, experience, and data to close knowledge gaps and reduce the environmental footprint of science. Given that Svalbard has experienced a 4°C temperature increase since 1970, far exceeding the global 1°C rise, it is a prime location for such a study.
The concept of digital twins has been explored in various contexts, including the potential for reducing energy costs and emissions in building management and enhancing rail infrastructure resilience against extreme weather conditions. In the context of climate resilience, "digital twins" can provide vital information to guide governments and companies in boosting resilience by simulating different scenarios and pressures on infrastructure.
Sarah Hayes, engagement lead for the Climate Resilience Demonstrator (CReDo), noted that "digital twins" can be used "to better understand these climate risks and help us make decisions" by simulating the impacts of climate change on infrastructure. Similarly, Wilco Hazeleger, dean of the geosciences faculty at Utrecht University, highlighted that tailoring information from digital twins to decision-makers' needs can lead to actionable insights.
The Aberdeen University project aims to leverage such digital twin technology to provide real-time data and insights on climate change in Svalbard, with broader implications for understanding global climate trends. This initiative underscores the critical role that digital twins can play in enhancing our understanding and response to climate change.
While climate change continues to reshape our world, the University of Aberdeen has joined forces with international partners to develop a groundbreaking Arctic digital twin project. This innovative initiative works alongside UArctic Thematic Networks and aligns with global efforts like Destination Earth to create detailed simulations of the Arctic environment, specifically focusing on the Norwegian archipelago Svalbard, which is warming six times faster than the global average. This integration of AI tools could greatly enhance the efficiency of data collection and modeling processes.
The project's digital twin technology combines advanced modeling techniques with machine learning to provide an unprecedented view of Arctic climate changes. It offers high-resolution projections at the kilometer scale, helping to understand local and regional climate impacts with remarkable precision. The system pulls data from various sources, including satellite data, historical climate records, geospatial information, and environmental monitoring systems. This initiative is part of the broader Micro Arctic Climate Simulation network, which includes prestigious institutions like the University of Cambridge and McGill University.
Exploring this digital twin reveals its ability to run customizable simulations that show how different climate scenarios might affect Arctic communities and ecosystems. It's particularly valuable for indigenous communities and industries like fishing and shipping, who can use these projections to make informed decisions about their future operations.
According to Dr. William Harcourt from the University of Aberdeen, "Having a digital twin will enable us to see what's happening in real time, from anywhere in the world. Unlike isolated field campaigns that reflect data at one point in time and rely on new funding and logistical support to collect, we'll use satellite data and develop real-time models of Svalbard's snow and ice."
The project team is working closely with various stakeholders to ensure the tool meets real-world needs, from tracking environmental changes to predicting future impacts on Arctic communities. "The creation of its digital twin is a major step forward in understanding the changes – and importantly the speed of change – happening there," Dr. Harcourt added.
Through this project, the insights gained will help shape policy decisions and adaptation strategies for years to come, providing more than just a sophisticated monitoring tool. It's a platform that brings together researchers, communities, and decision-makers to tackle one of our planet's most pressing challenges.
With funding of 400,000 Euros (approximately £310,000) allocated by the European Space Agency towards the Svalbard project, the initiative is set to play a critical role in advancing our understanding of climate change impacts in the Arctic.
