Author(s): Abolfazl Jalali Shahrooda; Jari Uusikivi

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: River ice; Digital twin; Monitoring systems; Sub-Arctic hydrology; Integrated observation framework

Abstract: River ice affects winter hydrodynamics, water levels, and operational planning in northern catchments. Yet, continuous observation and integrated interpretation of freeze-up, stable ice cover, mid-winter changes, and break-up remain limited, especially as winter patterns shift. The River Kiiminkijoki in northern Finland provides a suitable setting to explore new approaches to river ice monitoring and interpretation. Instrumented observation sites established under the national FIRI CRYO-RI infrastructure now provide continuous data from the Kiiminkijoki. These include optical cameras, water level and temperature sensors, and weather measurements, capturing atmospheric and hydrological drivers relevant to ice development. Data streams are collected into a unified backend supporting ingestion, storage, and visualization. Building on this infrastructure, the JÄÄTwin work focuses on developing a digital twin framework that links observations with process-based understanding of river ice conditions. The approach is structured to allow iterative integration of monitoring data with model states rather than relying on single simulations or seasonal assumptions. This work represents an applied exploration of how continuous field observations and modelling logic can be combined to improve situational awareness and interpretation of winter river conditions in sub-Arctic environments.

DOI:

Year: 2026