Using MESACLIP to investigate community relevant changes in the Bering Strait region, Alaska

The Arctic has experienced rapid change which is projected to continue through the 21st century. Major environmental changes include reduction in sea ice extent and thickness, warming ocean temperatures, increases in near-surface winds and ocean wave activity, and changes to cyclone activity. These environmental changes will impact local Alaskan communities in multiple ways including safety of traditional activities and protection of community life and property. We have partnered with communities in the Bering Strait region of Alaska as part of the Rising Voices Changing Coastlines (RVCC) project. Here we present examples of research using the MESACLIP dataset that are related to community priorities for research. 1) we investigate changes in sea ice that may impact the safety of hunting activities and how resolution impacts the projections of change. 2) We use a machine learning algorithm to categorize autumn cyclones impacting Alaska and how the impactful storms are projected to change in the future and coupling with storm surge models to estimate flooding. 3) We investigate how changes in sea ice coverage, sea surface temperatures, and near surface winds during autumn as inputs into an erosion model to understand resolution impact on projected impacts on local erosion. These case studies provide future directions about how high resolution ESMs may be coupled with other impacts related work to better inform communities.