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Insights for Adjacent Sciences – Connecting Science, Art and Deep Knowledge for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation

Description: 

Climate change has exerted profound and far-reaching impacts on the world's water resources, including the atmosphere, glaciers, lakes and rivers, groundwater systems, energy, gas exchange, and living systems. While seismology and hydrology have historically operated as distinct disciplines, a promising avenue for advances lies in their potential synergy. A cross-disciplinary approach to earth systems change that integrates social and physical sciences, indigenous knowledge and artistic pursuits can significantly augment our understanding of climate change, thereby informing adaptive strategies and mitigation efforts. Here, we present insights for adjacent sciences derived from a decade of transdisciplinary research in Canadian water security supported by the Global Water Futures program. The authors are establishing integrated observatories for cold region hydrological processes, such as freeze-up and break-up, including their impact on gas exchange in various landscapes. Integrating existing seismic networks with hydro-metric stations can enhance our understanding of climate change, water security, and the development of effective adaptation strategies. The data collected in one field may have broader applicability across multiple disciplines, expanding the boundaries of knowledge-sharing. Collaborative endeavors involving artists, scientists, and custodians of deep knowledge can yield fresh perspectives and insights that hold substantial value for science, policymakers, and society. Tools originally designed for seismic data analysis not only benefit geologic investigations but are also useful in fields such as hydrology (e.g. river ice break up), social-ecological systems (e.g. Wetland drainage), and even biology (e.g. animal migration). Recognizing and valuing research contributions from diverse domains, irrespective of their direct relevance to one's field, fosters dynamic and productive transdisciplinary collaborations. By harnessing these multifaceted approaches, we can elevate our understanding of climate change's impact on water resources and generate novel solutions to enhance water security.

Session: ESC-SSA Joint Session: Climate Change and Environmental Seismology - II

Type: Oral

Date: 5/3/2024

Presentation Time: 05:30 PM (local time)

Presenting Author: Graham

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Authors