The food–energy–water (FEW) nexus describes interactions among domains that yield gains or trade-offs when analysed together rather than independently. In a project about renewable energy in rural Alaska communities, we applied this concept to examine the implications for sustainability and resilience. The FEW nexus provided a useful framework for identifying the cross-domain benefits of renewable energy, including gains in FEW security. However, other factors such as transportation and governance also play a major role in determining FEW security outcomes in rural Alaska. Here, we show the implications of our findings for theory and practice. The precise configurations of and relationships among FEW nexus components vary by place and time, and the range of factors involved further complicates the ability to develop a functional, systematic FEW model. Instead, we suggest how the FEW nexus may be applied conceptually to identify and understand cross-domain interactions that contribute to long-term sustainability and resilience. While the food–energy–water nexus has become a focal point for inter- and cross-disciplinary studies in recent years, this analysis of rural communities contextualizes how effective the nexus is for describing and studying interactions.

In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the importance of a nexus approach to optimize food, energy, and water (FEW) security at regional and global scales. Remote communities in the Arctic and Subarctic regions in Alaska provide unique examples of closed and isolated systems, wherein the FEW nexus not only needs to be examined to lend resilience to these vulnerable communities but that could also serve as small-scale test beds for a wider and systematic understanding of the FEW nexus. In this short communication, looking at the FEW nexus in Cordova, Alaska, through an energy lens, we introduce an approach (referred to as the "MicroFEWs approach") that may assist remote communities in Alaska in making informed decisions regarding the use of renewable energy to increase FEW security. Our example uses the MicroFEWs approach to assess the impacts of increased renewable energy generation on FEW security in the community, more specifically to food security through potential changes to the community's fish processing industry. This approach can serve as a basis for investigating the FEW nexus in varying contexts and locales.

This paper provides a framework to evaluate how policymakers interact with information, make decisions, and act upon policy-related information. To explore the influence of information in bridging water policy knowledge boundaries and linking policy decision making and action, the authors conducted a grounded theory study of key congressional legislative staff in the US House and Senate involved in federal water policy development and oversight. Federal legislative water policies are largely shaped and developed by senior congressional legislative staff, whose policy priorities, decisions, and actions are influenced by policy-related information. Three conceptual themes emerged from the study as common priorities for legislative staff: (1) developing trusted relationship-information networks; (2) prioritizing relevant stakeholder interests; and (3) maximizing efforts to achieve desired results. While the use of policy information is largely determined by the staff’s multiple principal-agent roles, competing interests and other constraints, results of this study suggest that information quality criteria can be useful as heuristic tools for both intuitive judgments and reasoning of legislative decision makers and for transferring knowledge across science-policy action boundaries.

In the event of a marine oil spill in the Arctic, government agencies, industry, and the public have a stake in the successful implementation of oil spill response. Because large spills are rare events, oil spill response techniques are often evaluated with laboratory and meso-scale experiments. The experiments must yield scalable information sufficient to understand the operability and effectiveness of a response technique under actual field conditions. Since in-situ burning augmented with surface collecting agents ("herders") is one of the few viable response options in ice infested waters, a series of oil spill response experiments were conducted in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2014 and 2015 to evaluate the use of herders to assist in-situ burning and the role of experimental scale. This study compares burn efficiency and herder application for three experimental designs for in-situ burning of Alaska North Slope crude oil in cold, fresh waters with ∼10% ice cover. The experiments were conducted in three project-specific constructed venues with varying scales (surface areas of approximately 0.09 square meters, 9 square meters and 8100 square meters). The results from the herder assisted in-situ burn experiments performed at these three different scales showed good experimental scale correlation and no negative impact due to the presence of ice cover on burn efficiency. Experimental conclusions are predominantly associated with application of the herder material and usability for a given experiment scale to make response decisions.

ABSTRACT # 2017-148 2017 In-situ burning presents an attractive oil spill response option with high oil removal efficiency and low personnel requirements. In recent times, surfactant chemicals termed ‘herding agents’ have been proposed to promote collection/thickening of spilled oil to facilitate in-situ burning activities. The approach could prove specifically useful in light pack ice and general Arctic conditions. In April 2015, a series of five in-situ burning field tests were conducted in Fairbanks, Alaska, in a large, 8100 m2 man-made test basin, which successfully demonstrated the ability to aerially conduct an entire herder-assisted in-situ burn activity, including herder application and oil ignition. During the demonstration, samples were collected from the water in the basin (prior to, during and after the tests), from the burn residue in the basin, and atmospheric samples during the burn with the goal to understand the environmental partitioning of OP-40 herder compound immediately after the demonstration. The basin tests were a closed system which allowed insight to herder fate and transport, although the concentrations measured were unrepresentative of what would happen in the open sea. Analytical methods were developed for quantification of herders in water, air and are currently being evaluated for the burn residue. Test results indicate no herder in the air samples. Unlike the ocean, where the small amounts of herder would rapidly disperse, the water confined in the basin enabled us to study the partitioning of herder between the water and residue and also observe the biodegradation of herder over time. The results from this study provide a useful snapshot of partitioning of herder in various environmental compartments. Future directions include corroborating these findings with precise laboratory measurements.

Freshwater resources in rural Alaska communities, especially those underlain by permafrost, are particularly vulnerable to impacts from nearby waste facilities. The authors investigated the connection between rural solid waste facilities and transmission of pathogenic organisms into nearby water resources by evaluating the (1)prevalence of pathogen indicators E. coli and Enterococcus sp. proximal to cold region waste facilities, and (2)partitioning behavior of both organisms in a controlled snowmelt lysimeter test. Results reveal that E. coli and Enterococcus sp. preferentially attach to and migrate with soil particles in surface waters and are transported off-site during snowmelt runoff. Enterococcus sp. had higher and more sustained viability in cold environmental conditions than E. coli. E. coli and Enterococcus sp. were found in surface waters and soils in the concentration range of 0.7-3.5mean log most probably number (MPN)/100mLH2O. All microbial samples indicated strong site-specific variability.

In-situ burning (ISB) aided by herding agents is a promising tool for oil spill response in Arctic waters. An advantageous aspect of the herder mediated ISB approach is that the application of herders as well as the subsequent ignition of the slick could potentially be carried out from aerial platforms. This could obviate the need for personnel to conduct operations on the surface near the burn, as well as reduce the response time required to mobilize the spill response equipment, especially in difficult Arctic conditions. In the last decade, several laboratory and field-scale tests have been conducted to prove the efficacy of herding agent mediated ISB operations, sometimes achieving burn efficiencies >90%. However, there have been no reports of aerial herder application followed by ignition. The objectives of this work were to evaluate a proof-of-concept level application of aerial herders and igniters for ISB operations in the Arctic, and to investigate the associated operational and technical challenges. This paper presents results from a series of field experiments performed in a custom-built test basin 50km northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska, in April 2015. A helicopter was employed to first apply herding agents (Siltech OP-40 or ThickSlick 6535) to Alaska North Slope crude oil slicks in simulated drift ice conditions, and then ignite the herded slicks using a heli-torch. Burn efficiency (BE) for the confined field scale in-situ burn tests ranged from 59% to 94% using the gravimetric approach and 73% to 84% using the conservative aerial imagery approaches to evaluate the herder action. The moderately high BE values observed in the field-scale light ice-cover (~10%) conditions, establish the effectiveness and promise of aerial application of herders to assist ISB in the Arctic. This is a first account of successful aerial application of herders for ISB in the Arctic or elsewhere, and furthers the development of better tools for oil spill response in Arctic waters and beyond.

Evapotranspiration and near-surface soil moisture dynamics are key-entangled variables regulating flux at the surface-atmosphere interface. Both are central in improving mass and energy balances in agro ecosystems. However, under the extreme conditions of high-latitude soils and weather pattern variability, the implementation of such coupled liquid and vapor phase numerical simulation remain to be tested. We consider the nonisothermal solution of the vapor flux equation that accounts for the thermally driven water vapor transport and phase changes. Fully coupled flux model outputs are compared and contrasted against field measurements of soil temperature, heat flux, water content, and evaporation in a subarctic agroecosystem in Alaska. Two well-defined hydro-meteorological situations were selected: dry and wet periods. Numerical simulation was forced by time series of incoming global solar radiation and atmospheric surface layer thermodynamic parameters: surface wind speed, ambient temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, and soil temperature and soil moisture. In this simulation, soil parameters changing in depth and time are considered as dynamically adjusted boundary conditions for solving the set of coupled differential equations. Results from this evaluation give good correlation of modeled and observed data in net radiation (Rnet) (R2 of 0.92, root mean square error (RMSE) of 45 W m−2), latent heat (0.70, RMSE of 53 W m−2), and sensible heat (R2 = 0.63, RMSE = 32 W m−2) during the dry period. On the other hand, a poor agreement was obtained in the radiative fluxes and turbulent fluxes during the wet period due to the lack of representation in the radiation field and differences in soil dynamics across the landscape.

This study explores the nature of water security challenges in rural Alaska, using a framework for environmental security that entails four interrelated concepts: availability, access, utility, and stability of water resources. Many researchers and professionals agree that water insecurity is a problem in rural Alaska, although the scale and nature of the problem is contested. Some academics have argued that the problem is systemic, and rooted in an approach to water security by the state that prioritizes economic concerns over public health concerns. Health practitioners and state agencies, on the other hand, contend that much progress has been made, and that nearly all rural households have access to safe drinking water, though many are still lacking ‘modern’ in-home water service. Here, we draw on a synthesis of ethnographic research alongside data from state agencies to show that the persistent water insecurity problems in rural Alaska are not a problem of access to or availability of clean water, or a lack of ‘modern’ infrastructure, but instead are rooted in complex human dimensions of water resources management, including the political legacies of state and federal community development schemes that did not fully account for local needs and challenges. The diagnostic approach we implement here helps to identify solutions to these challenges, which accordingly focus on place-based needs and empowering local actors. The framework likewise proves to be broadly applicable to exploring water security concerns elsewhere in the world.

ABSTRACT In situ burning (ISB) aided by herding agents is a promising tool for oil spill response in Arctic waters. An advantageous aspect of the herder mediated ISB approach is that the application of herders as well as the subsequent ignition of the slick could potentially be carried out from aerial platforms. This could obviate the need for personnel to conduct operations on the surface near the burn, as well as reduce the response time required to mobilize the spill response equipment, especially in challenging Arctic conditions. In the last decade, several laboratory and field-scale tests have been conducted to prove the efficacy of herder-assisted ISB operations, sometimes achieving burn efficiencies greater than 90 %. However, there have been no field tests of aerial herder application followed by ignition. This paper presents results from a series of field experiments performed in a custom-built test basin 50 km northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska, in April 2015. A helicopter was employed to first apply herding agents (Siltech OP-40 or ThickSlick 6535) to Alaska North Slope crude oil slicks in simulated drift ice conditions, and then ignite the herded slicks using a Heli-torch. Two of five test burns yielded measurable outcomes, resulting in 70% - 85% removal of the test oil as it was drifting freely. Three of five test burns did not yield reliably measurable results, as wind action at the site prevented an accurate measurement of free-drifting burn efficiency. An unmanned aircraft, carrying prototypical payloads for herder spraying and in situ burn ignition was also tested. This is the first time successful aerial application of herders for ISB in the Arctic or elsewhere has been accomplished, and furthers the development of better tools for oil spill response in Arctic waters and beyond.

We present a probe factor for a simple measurement device, which can be used to determine in-situ electrical resistivity in soils or other penetrable bodies. The probe is primarily sensitive to the material immediately surrounding it and therefore is ideal for determining localized conductivities. The geometry of the probe can be scaled to effectively adjust the region of interest. The calibration, or “probe factor” is a function of the geometry, as well as the electrode configuration. Results are presented assuming a Wenner array configuration, however they can easily be extended to other geometries, such as the Schlumberger or dipole-dipole array.

This study used combined geophysical and cryostratigraphic methods for permafrost characterization in Arctic road design and engineering. Two major study areas located in the continuous permafrost zone represented a range of terrain conditions including yedoma (syngenetically frozen ice-rich silts with large ice wedges) plateaus and hills, thaw-lake basins, river terraces, and modern floodplains. Direct-current resistivity - electrical resistivity tomography (DCR-ERT) using a Wenner array was applied over transects. Complementary site data including the results of drilling and active layer depths measurements were also obtained. The boreholes provided cryostratigraphic information on soil texture, cryostructures, ground ice, and gravimetric moisture content of frozen soils. The resistivity data supported evaluation of the presence/absence of permafrost; location and depth of the active and intermediate layers; and in some conditions changes in ice content. In contrast, the cryostratigraphic interpretation generally offered more nuanced analysis of the subsurface, but was limited in its ability to detect unconformities and the depth of drilling. Both techniques were enhanced by the availability of high-resolution geospatial information and can be used to optimize the location and density of the boreholes for road construction.

As the acreages of agricultural lands increase, changes in surface energetics and evapotranspiration (ET) rates may arise consequently affecting regional climate regimes. The objective of this study was to evaluate summertime ET dynamics and surface energy processes in a subarctic agricultural farm in Interior Alaska. The study includes micrometeorological and hydrological data. Results covering the period from June to September 2012 and 2013 indicated consistent energy fractions: LE/Rnet (67%), G/Rnet (6%), H/Rnet (27%) where LE is latent heat flux, Rnet is the surface net radiation, G is ground heat flux and H is the sensible heat flux. Additionally actual surface evapotranspiration from potential evaporation was found to be in the range of 59 to 66%. After comparing these rates with those of most prominent high latitude ecosystems it is argued here that if agroecosystem in high latitudes become an emerging feature in the land-use, the regional surface energy balance will significantly shift in comparison to existing Arctic natural ecosystems.

This report describes a series of geophysical surveys conducted in conjunction with geotechnical investigations carried out by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the value of and potential uses for data collected via geophysical techniques with respect to ongoing investigations related to linear infrastructure. One or more techniques, including direct-current resistivity, capacitive-coupled resistivity, and ground-penetrating radar, were evaluated at sites in continuous and discontinuous permafrost zones. Results revealed that resistivity techniques adequately differentiate between frozen and unfrozen ground, and in some instances, were able to identify individual ice wedges in a frozen heterogeneous matrix. Capacitive-coupled resistivity was found to be extremely promising due to its relative mobility as compared with direct-current resistivity. Ground-penetrating radar was shown to be useful for evaluating the factors leading to subsidence in an existing road. Taken as a whole, the study results indicate that supplemental geophysical surveys may add to the quality of a geotechnical investigation by helping to optimize the placement of boreholes. Moreover, such surveys may reduce the overall investigation costs by reducing the number of boreholes required to characterize the subsurface.

Woody vegetation cultivated for moisture management on evapotranspiration (ET) landfill covers could potentially serve a secondary function as a biomass crop. However, research is required to evaluate the extent to which trees could be harvested from ET covers without significantly impacting their moisture management function. This study investigated the drainage through a six-year-old, primarily poplar/cottonwood ET test cover for a period of one year following the harvest of all woody biomass exceeding a height of 30 cm above ground surface. Results were compared to previously reported drainage observed during the years leading up to the coppice event. In the first year following coppice, the ET cover was found to be 93% effective at redirecting moisture during the spring/summer season, and 95% effective during the subsequent fall/winter season. This was slightly lower than the 95% and 100% efficacy observed in the spring/summer and fall/winter seasons, respectively, during the final measured year prior to coppice. However, the post-coppice efficacy was higher than the efficacy observed during the first three years following establishment of the cover. While additional longer-term studies are recommended, this project demonstrated that woody ET covers could potentially produce harvestable biomass while still effectively managing aerial moisture.

Alternative landfill covers utilizing evapotranspiration (ET) as the primary mechanism for protecting the waste layer from aerial moisture represent promising tools for cold region solid waste management. However, ET covers have not been evaluated for use in subarctic climates. As the functionality of an ET cover is driven primarily by climactic variables, climate-specific field tests are required prior to widespread implementation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the four-year performance of two competing pilot-scale landfill covers built atop drainage lysimeters near Anchorage, AK. The compacted soil cover (CSC) was designed and constructed according to standards prescribed by Alaska solid waste regulations. The alternative ET cover design was based upon a preliminary modeling study. After four years, the two adjacent lysimeters had each received a total of 1636mm precipitation. Over that period, 201mm moisture drained from the ET lysimeter, compared to 292mm in the CSC lysimeter. The difference in drainage rates between the two covers was most apparent during the autumn season, when the drainage rates for both covers were at their annual maximum. The lower autumn and annual drainage rates observed in the ET lysimeter after the first year were potentially due to higher moisture storage capacity in the ET cover soils and/or formation of preferential flow paths in the CSC soils. Analysis of soil temperature, precipitation, and drainage data indicated that negligible amounts of winter precipitation infiltrated the ET cover during winter, and that the frozen soils promoted runoff over drainage during the spring melt. These results indicate that similar ET cover designs merit consideration for broader use in subarctic conditions.