Artica Residents Witness Svalbard Glaciers in Transition

Last week, Residency and Community Coordinator Lena von Goedeke led current residents Nastassja Simensky, Lilian Kroth, Clara Arnaud, and Endi Poskovic on a hike to Sarkofagen, a mountain located directly above Longyearbyen. The route included visits to Longyearbreen and Larsbreen, the two glaciers nearest to the town.

Sarkofagen (Norwegian for “the sarcophagus”) is a prominent ridge between Longyeardalen and Larsdalen. Its position offers a direct vantage point onto two active glacier systems and the broader glacial landscape surrounding Longyearbyen, making it a frequent site for geological observation and field-based research.

Both Longyearbreen and Larsbreen lie southwest of Longyearbyen’s town centre. Longyearbreen flows northward from Teltberget into Longyeardalen, behind the Nybyen area. Larsbreen lies in the adjacent valley to the west and originates from Lars Hiertafjellet and Trollsteinen, flowing into Larsdalen. These glaciers are part of the local hydrological system and are regularly used in scientific studies related to glacial retreat, permafrost change, and seasonal melt dynamics.

Svalbard is experiencing rapid environmental change. According to data from NASA and the Norwegian Polar Institute, the region is warming approximately seven times faster than the global average. In July 2024, Svalbard recorded its highest ever daily glacial surface melt, with meltwater reaching five times the normal rate. Since 2000, approximately 600 billion tonnes of glacial ice have been lost across the archipelago.

This hike formed part of Artica Svalbard’s ongoing efforts to provide residents with context-rich encounters that support research, observation, and place-based engagement with Arctic environments.