Russian experts developing new Arctic climate monitoring technology
© RIA Novosti. Sergey Mamontov

Russian experts developing new Arctic climate monitoring technology

Scientists from the Kirensky Institute of Physics in Krasnoyarsk are developing a new Space Age technology for monitoring Arctic climate change; this new technology will monitor soil humidity and temperature levels online, reports the Krasnoyarsk Territory press service.

"Scientists from the Kirensky Institute of Physics, affiliated with the Federal Research Center of the Krasnoyarsk Research Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, are developing a new space-satellite technology for monitoring Arctic climate change; this technology will monitor key indicators, soil humidity and temperature levels, online. The data gathering will make it possible to work out methods for preventing possible environmental disasters in the Arctic," the press service notes.

A Russian-made Meteor-M No. 2 orbital satellite will be used to monitor soil humidity and temperature levels. The satellite has a special scanner for detecting radiation and heat emissions. This technology has already been tested near Norilsk city and the village of Khatanga.

Project research will continue next year.

According to Institute sources, unprecedented temperature aberrations were recorded throughout 2015 in northern Siberia, including the Taimyr Peninsula. When heated, Arctic soils can generate huge amounts of carbon dioxide and methane; this increases the greenhouse effect and soil temperatures still further. Consequently, local soils may subside, and their ability to sustain large loads may be impaired. Soil erosion may also impair the quality of local water resources. This also increases the risk of natural disasters and related dangerous industrial accidents.