Impacts of future sea level change on Greenland from community knowledge, coastal mapping, and glacial isostatic adjustment models

While global mean sea level is predicted to rise, the magnitude and direction of sea level change varies from place to place. Impact studies and adaptation strategies must be local, appropriately representing this predicted variability, local landscapes, and societal factors. This study presents new bathymetry and marine habitat mapping around Aasiaat, West Greenland through surveys that were designed, conducted, and interpreted in collaboration with local communities. As sea level here is predicted to fall, our results highlight locations vulnerable to lower sea level of significance to residents. Ongoing community engagement throughout the survey design and execution yielded usable impact analysis and new language to describe environmental change.