Young researchers of the Barents Region

publishedVersio

Assessments in Policy-Making: Case Studies from the Arctic Council

Julkaistu versi

Kortlagning Reykjaneshryggjar út frá fjölgeislamælingum

The sea floor is one of the Earths parts that still are mostly unexplored. Recent multibeam technology has now opened up new opportunities to increase our knowledge in this hitherto hidden part of the world. In this study part of the Reykjanes Ridge was analysed in order to create a high resolution and comprehensive topographic map of this northern part of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Ridge. The general aims of the study were to i) develop seamless method from Caris, a raw analytical program for multibeam data, to ArcInfo, a spatial analytical program of geographical data; ii) to assess and modify multibeam datasets from different time periods (1994, 2006, 2007 and 2013); and iii) to conduct time-separated comparison analysis of morphological structures of the sea floor, and in that way assess potential submarine volcanic activity through time. High-resolution model of the spreading oceanic crust was created using data from precise multibeam echo-sounders. Based on the mapped topography volcanic structures were identified and analysed. Time-separated change detection analysis was further conducted using both quantitative raster based method and qualitative visual assessment. The results of the comparison analysis do reveal evidence about changes in topography of the Reykjanes Ridge. Thus, for the first time an area of the ridge has been identified as a potential eruption and/or volcano-tectonic site between 1994 and 2013.The resulting high resolution mapping furthermore add valuable knowledge as regard the Reykjanes Ridge morphology and subsequently the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Ridge, and moreover opens possibilities for further geographical and geological interpretations of submarine volcanic and tectonic processes along the Ocean Ridge. Key words: Sea floor morphology, multibeam data, GIS, Reykjanes Ridge, IcelandErasmus Mundus GEM programmm

Socioeconomic and Cultural Changes in the European Arctic

The chapter provides overview of the Arctic sociocultural landscape, highlighting innovative and growing Arctic cities, thinnig-out rural areas, demographic challenges, and dependence on extractive and primary industries. Indigenous peoples often experience these elements in distinct manners.The EU has a number of programmes that support socioeconomic development and co-operation in the North, as well as relevant transport policies and environmental regulations. When designing and carrying out actions affecting socioeconomic and cultural development, the EU decision-makers should take into account: the region's intra-regional and core-periphery connectivity; power structures, social conflicts and cultural diversity; human-nature interactions; as well as the state of innovation, entrepreneurship and education.The EU's focus on entrepreneurship and innovation within co-operation and cohension programmes is likely to continue in the future, although greater attention to gender issues and indigenous peoples is recommended. Intra-regional accessibility and connectivity must not be neglected. The special characteristics and needs of Arctic cities need to be taken into account in EU policies and programmes

Social and cultural changes in the European Arctic

This report’s overview of the region’s sociocultural landscape includes innovativeand growing Arctic cities, thinning-out rural areas, demographic challenges, anddependence on extractive and primary industries. Indigenous peoples oftenexperience these elements in distinct manners.The EU has a number of programmes that support socioeconomic development and co-operation in the North, as well as relevant transport policies and environmental regulations. When designing and carrying out relevant policies, the EU decision-makers should take into account: the region’s intra-regional and core-periphery connectivity; power structures, social conflicts and cultural diversity; human-nature interactions; as well as the state of innovation, entrepreneurship and education.An EU focus on entrepreneurship and innovation within co-operation and cohesion programmes should be continued and strengthened, with greater attention to gender issues and indigenous peoples. In particular, the activism of dynamic indigenous youth should be supported. Intra-regional accessibility and connectivity, including challenging cross-border projects, must not be neglected in the light of a focus on core-periphery connections within frameworks such as the Trans-European Transport network. The special characteristics and needs of Arctic cities and their importance for regional development need to be taken into account in EU policies and programmes