University of Ottawa

Purpose

Global warming is rapidly transforming Arctic coastlines, including Canada’s northern shores. Rising air and sea temperatures and declining sea ice extend the open-water season, increasing exposure to wave energy and accelerating permafrost thaw and coastal erosion. These changes threaten communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems, while traditional hard-engineering solutions are often unsuitable in remote Arctic environments. This Project investigates innovative structural protection approaches, such as geotubes and rock bags, adapted to Arctic conditions for permafrost beach protection. Combining field investigations with controlled flume experiments, the study will assess the effectiveness of these solutions in reducing wave energy and sediment loss while maintaining structural integrity under extreme environmental stress. The resulting process understanding and experimental data will establish a foundation for improved coastal protection designs, inform numerical modeling, and guide pilot field implementations. Ultimately, the Project supports sustainable management and enhances the resilience of Canadian Arctic coastlines in a warming climate.