Development of a method for Arctic ice restoration using high-albedo
reflective materials for localized surface treatments
Abstract
Context: A Focus on Arctic Ice Restoration Arctic ice loss has been
linked to global climatic changes including droughts and wildfires and
extreme winter weather. Since 1979 the Arctic has lost 75% of its ice
volume, resulting in a loss of albedo that contributes significantly to
global warming. Ice911’s mission is to develop and test methods to
preserve and ultimately restore ice using a thin coating of high-albedo
reflective materials applied to strategic areas of low-albedo ice in the
Arctic, in order to reduce climate change impacts. Methods: Arctic Field
Testing and Laboratory Safety Testing At Ice911’s Arctic lake test site
in Ukpeagvik (Barrow), Alaska, working with UIC for science logistics
and permits, a section of the winter ice was treated with 15,000 m2 of
reflective hollow glass microsphere materials, using an agricultural
spreader. Monitoring instrumentation included albedo and temperature
measurement and cameras mounted on buoys. The treated area was observed
and compared to control areas throughout the 2018 melt. Data was
transmitted wirelessly and combined with on-site aerial drone footage.
Laboratory safety testing and field evaluation of the fate of the
materials continued, as part of the “first do no harm” obligation of
the work. Results The data collection and wireless communication worked
reliably in the field. Video footage taken during the melt was run
through an image processing algorithm to compare albedo differential and
results show higher reflectivity in areas with material applied, despite
variable stream flows during the melt. The flotation for both the custom
Ice911-built buoys and a purchased buoy were compromised by the variable
stresses exerted during the ice melt in the lake, and improvements are
being made to the Ice911 buoy design. Laboratory safety testing shows no
deleterious impacts from the materials. At the field test site, after
the melt the sand-like materials were blown to shore and joined the
surrounding mud. Conclusion Field work, permitting, climate modeling and
laboratory testing are ongoing to confirm material safety and
performance and to improve deployment and monitoring, with the goal of
readying the technology for a potential targeted deployment within a few
years of a 10,000-100,000 km2 on sea ice at a location chosen to have a
significant positive climate impact.