Publications
The Flowers Opened the Way
Arctic flowering plants play a significant and often overlooked role in shaping human experiences and cultural narratives, challenging traditional notions of mastery and inspiring euphoria and understanding. This study examines the works of 19th- and 20th-century voyagers, writers, artists, and botanists from Norway, Britain, and the United States to illustrate how these plants influenced outsiders' perceptions of the Arctic, often leading to a confusion of categories and a deeper appreciation for Indigenous knowledge. The research connects historical plant investigations with modern initiatives like the Greenland Arboretum in Narsarsuaq and the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the complex cultural politics of current 'Arctic greening' efforts.
Assessing the consequences of recent climate change on World Heritage sites in South Greenland
Recent climate change is significantly accelerating the degradation of organic archaeological deposits in Kujataa Greenland. Over the past 40 years, rising soil temperatures combined with declining moisture levels have created conditions that threaten to erode irreplaceable cultural and environmental records. The study, using the CoupModel to simulate soil conditions at four sites, reveals that even coastal areas—previously considered stable—are now at risk due to warmer summers and drier soils. The greatest vulnerability lies in inland regions, home to Norse Viking Age settlements, where the combination of heat and aridity poses an immediate danger to preservation efforts. With 583 registered archaeological sites in the region, this research underscores the urgent need for adaptive conservation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on these fragile deposits.
Exploración microscópica de Líquenes, Musgos y Flores en Kujataa, Groenlandia: Estudio de Muestreo
A pioneering microscopic examination of lichens, mosses, and flowers in Kujataa Greenland—an UNESCO World Heritage Site—reveals unique subarctic biodiversity. This study marks the first specialized scientific documentation of these organisms in the region, highlighting their ecological significance within a landscape shaped by Norse and Inuit agricultural practices, including the rare legal consumption of marine mammals like whales and seals. Researchers employed advanced imaging techniques to capture detailed microscopic structures, providing new insights into the resilience and adaptability of Arctic flora. The findings underscore Kujataa’s dual heritage as both a cultural and natural treasure, offering a foundation for future studies on subarctic ecosystems.
The Application of RGB, Multispectral, and Thermal Imagery to Document and Monitor Archaeological Sites in the Arctic: A Case Study from South Greenland
A combination of RGB imaging and digital surface models proves highly effective for identifying and mapping archaeological ruins and structures, offering cultural heritage managers a rapid, non-invasive tool to document vulnerable Arctic sites. The study also demonstrates that RGB and NDVI maps can effectively monitor vegetation damage caused by human activity, addressing the dual threats of climate change and increased tourism. However, attempts to estimate soil moisture content using thermal imagery and the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI) yielded limited success in Arctic contexts. Conducted at two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kujataa, Greenland, this research highlights the potential of drone-based remote sensing for archaeological documentation while underscoring the need for tailored approaches to monitor environmental impacts in fragile polar landscapes.
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