Earthquake Resilience and Adaptation in the Arctic (EDeN) - Majid Ghayoomi
Abstract:
Alaska is one of the most seismically active regions of the world. Coincidentally, it has also experienced dramatic impacts of climate change as it is warming at a higher rate in comparison with the rest of the United States. Through mechanisms such as permafrost thaw, water table fluctuation, and melting of sea ice and glaciers, climatic-driven changes to the natural and built-environment influence the seismic response of infrastructure systems. Addressing the infrastructure and community’s seismic resilience requires expanding resilience modeling beyond technical aspects to include social and ecological dimensions that better reflect real-world complexities. This presentation will discuss past and current activities and future plans to holistically review and improve the seismic resilience of Alaska’s built environment and social systems. This interdisciplinary research campaign combines infrastructure assessment and monitoring, system dynamics modeling, and community and historical knowledge by incorporating interconnected stressors such as seasonal changes, permafrost degradation, and seismic vulnerability. This effort is a critical step for effective adaptation strategies that enhance the long-term sustainability and seismic resilience of Arctic infrastructure, while improving social preparedness and community training in the evolving environmental conditions.
