Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yaping Chen, Feng S. Hu, Mark J. Lara
Summary: The study used high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery data to investigate the relationship between shrub-cover change in the Arctic tundra and key environmental drivers like climate change and fire disturbance. Results suggest that summer precipitation is the most important climatic driver for shrub expansion, and shrub expansion in the uplands is largely enhanced by wildfire.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ken D. Tape, Jason A. Clark, Benjamin M. Jones, Seth Kantner, Benjamin Gaglioti, Guido Grosse, Ingmar Nitze
Summary: Recent findings show that beavers have moved into the Arctic tundra and are controlling surface water dynamics through the construction of beaver ponds. The rapid expansion of beaver engineering is important for understanding permafrost thawing and the exacerbation of climate change effects.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Qiwei Huang, Ning Ma, Ping Wang
Summary: Land evapotranspiration is a key factor in the hydrological cycle and is highly sensitive to climate change. This study investigated the spatial-temporal changes in evapotranspiration in six large Pan-Arctic river basins and found that evapotranspiration in permafrost-dominated regions has been increasing faster than in other regions, with intensified permafrost thawing being the likely key factor contributing to this increase.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Simon Zwieback
Summary: The study reveals that in colder regions, south-facing slopes are steeper, while in slightly warmer regions, north-facing slopes are steeper. Approximately 20% of the area exhibits significant north-south slope asymmetry, primarily in rugged terrain.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Adrianna C. Foster, Jonathan A. Wang, Gerald Frost, Scott J. Davidson, Elizabeth Hoy, Kevin W. Turner, Oliver Sonnentag, Howard Epstein, Logan T. Berner, Amanda H. Armstrong, Mary Kang, Brendan M. Rogers, Elizabeth Campbell, Kimberley R. Miner, Kathleen M. Orndahl, Laura L. Bourgeau-Chavez, David A. Lutz, Nancy French, Dong Chen, Jinyang Du, Tatiana A. Shestakova, Jacquelyn K. Shuman, Ken Tape, Anna-Maria Virkkala, Christopher Potter, Scott Goetz
Summary: Ecosystems in the North American Arctic-Boreal Zone (ABZ) are experiencing increasing disturbances due to climate warming and human activity. However, many of these disturbances are understudied, leading to uncertainty in their impacts on vegetation dynamics and interactions between disturbance types. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge of ABZ disturbances and their impacts, as well as identifying gaps in knowledge and priorities for future research.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiqi Liu, Ping Wang
Summary: This study investigates the changes in river mineralization and riverine solute exports in major Arctic rivers. The results show that solute-induced river mineralization has already occurred in some rivers, and the total dissolved solids (TDS) flux from these rivers has increased over the past sixteen years. Climate-induced changes in hydrological regimes play a significant role in regulating riverine solute exports. The study suggests that riverine solute exports are likely affected by permafrost thaw-induced changes in hydrogeological processes, which are associated with increased active layer thickness and enhanced groundwater discharge to rivers.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Peter Stimmler, Mathias Goeckede, Bo Elberling, Susan Natali, Peter Kuhry, Nia Perron, Fabrice Lacroix, Gustaf Hugelius, Oliver Sonnentag, Jens Strauss, Christina Minions, Michael Sommer, Joerg Schaller
Summary: Arctic soils store significant amounts of organic carbon and various elements, including amorphous silicon, calcium, iron, aluminum, and phosphorous. The Arctic is expected to experience the most prominent effects of global warming, resulting in the thawing of permafrost and altering the availability of soil elements. This study analyzed the content of amorphous silicon (ASi) in Arctic soils, as well as the availability of silicon, calcium, iron, phosphorous, and aluminum using Mehlich III extractions. The findings revealed substantial differences in ASi fraction and element availability among different lithologies and Arctic regions, which were summarized in pan-Arctic maps.
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE DATA
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
McKenzie A. Kuhn, Ruth K. Varner, David Bastviken, Patrick Crill, Sally MacIntyre, Merritt Turetsky, Katey Walter Anthony, Anthony D. McGuire, David Olefeldt
Summary: Methane emissions from boreal and arctic regions are globally significant and highly sensitive to climate change. The study highlights the differences in estimates of methane fluxes using bottom-up and top-down approaches for high-latitude regions. The comprehensive dataset BAWLD-CH4 provides valuable information for future research opportunities and model validation in high-latitude ecosystems.
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE DATA
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dmitry A. Streletskiy, Sonia Clemens, Jean-Pierre Lanckman, Nikolay Shiklomanov
Summary: Climate change has negative impacts on Arctic ecosystems and northern communities, including disruptions in subsistence practices and threats to infrastructure. This study examines the effects of permafrost degradation on infrastructure in the Arctic region. Using climate models, the researchers estimate the changes in permafrost bearing capacity and ground subsidence, and identify infrastructure at risk. The results show significant costs associated with permafrost degradation, particularly in Russia. However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help mitigate these damages and inform adaptation strategies in Arctic states.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samantha Burke, Derek C. G. Muir, Jane Kirk, Benjamin D. Barst, Debbie Iqaluk, Xiaowa Wang, Mike Pope, Scott F. Lamoureux, Melissa J. Lafreniere
Summary: Climate-driven changes can have profound effects on contaminants like mercury in High Arctic lakes. This study found that permafrost degradation and increased turbidity in lakes can lead to changes in mercury concentrations and fish condition. While there was a significant decrease in mercury concentrations in one lake, there was a significant increase in another lake, likely due to the increase in turbidity and dietary changes.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Heather Kropp, Michael M. Loranty, Susan M. Natali, Alexander L. Kholodov, Adrian Rocha, Isla Myers-Smith, Benjamin W. Abbot, Jakob Abermann, Elena Blanc-Betes, Daan Blok, Gesche Blume-Werry, Julia Boike, Amy L. Breen, Sean M. P. Cahoon, Casper T. Christiansen, Thomas A. Douglas, Howard E. Epstein, Gerald Frost, Mathias Goeckede, Toke T. Hoye, Steven D. Mamet, Jonathan A. O'Donnell, David Olefeldt, Gareth K. Phoenix, Verity G. Salmon, A. Britta K. Sannel, Sharon L. Smith, Oliver Sonnentag, Lydia Smith Vaughn, Mathew Williams, Bo Elberling, Laura Gough, Jan Hjort, Peter M. Lafleur, Eugenie S. Euskirchen, Monique M. P. D. Heijmans, Elyn R. Humphreys, Hiroki Iwata, Benjamin M. Jones, M. Torre Jorgenson, Inge Gruenberg, Yongwon Kim, James Laundre, Marguerite Mauritz, Anders Michelsen, Gabriela Schaepman-Strub, Ken D. Tape, Masahito Ueyama, Bang-Yong Lee, Kirsty Langley, Magnus Lund
Summary: Soils are warming in the Arctic and Boreal region as temperature rises, with tall shrubs and trees expanding in the tundra. Ecosystems with tall-statured shrubs and trees have warmer shallow soils compared to short-statured tundra vegetation, indicating that ground thermal regimes in the cold season are critical for predicting soil warming. The expansion of tall shrubs and trees into tundra regions can amplify shallow soil warming and increase potential for increased seasonal thaw depth, soil carbon cycling rates, carbon dioxide loss, and permafrost thaw.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sharmin Akhtar, Hartmut Hollaender, Qiuyan Yuan
Summary: Permafrost, commonly found in Arctic regions, is becoming vulnerable due to climate change and improper waste management. Landfilled waste generates leachate, heat, and gas, which can pollute the environment, threaten human health, and contribute to climate change. Research shows that excessive heat from landfills can cause cracks in liners and covers, polluting soil and groundwater. Building landfills in permafrost regions can lead to permafrost degradation and release greenhouse gases, accelerating climate change.
COLD REGIONS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nima Madani, Nicholas C. Parazoo, Charles E. Miller
Summary: Remote sensing and site-level observations have revealed significant changes in Arctic ecosystems due to climate warming, including vegetation greening, changes in species composition, and alterations in phenology. In this study, the solar induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) was used to examine the phenological changes in Arctic ecosystems from 2000 to 2020. The results showed distinct regional trends in the response of ecosystems to climate change, influencing the timing of spring photosynthesis onset, peak productivity during the growing season, and fall senescence. The findings highlight the importance of biodiversity and phenology information in Arctic ecosystem models and projections for better understanding the impacts of climate change.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Wang Shijin, Peng Xiaoqing
Summary: As an important component of the climate system, permafrost responds significantly to climate change and affects the ecosystem. This study analyzed the changes in vegetation index (NDVI) in Arctic permafrost regions and the correlation with active-layer thickness (ALT), soil temperature, and other factors. The results showed an increasing trend in NDVI values from 1982 to 2015, with permafrost degradation being the dominant factor controlling the increase. The study deepened our understanding of permafrost's importance for ecosystem services and filled a gap in global ecological service value assessment.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Donatella Zona, Peter M. Lafleur, Koen Hufkens, Beniamino Gioli, Barbara Bailey, George Burba, Eugenie S. Euskirchen, Jennifer D. Watts, Kyle A. Arndt, Mary Farina, John S. Kimball, Martin Heimann, Mathias Gockede, Martijn Pallandt, Torben R. Christensen, Mikhail Mastepanov, Efren Lopez-Blanco, Albertus J. Dolman, Roisin Commane, Charles E. Miller, Josh Hashemi, Lars Kutzbach, David Holl, Julia Boike, Christian Wille, Torsten Sachs, Aram Kalhori, Elyn R. Humphreys, Oliver Sonnentag, Gesa Meyer, Gabriel H. Gosselin, Philip Marsh, Walter C. Oechel
Summary: Long-term records of atmospheric CO2 concentration indicate a decrease in the positive effect of warming on carbon uptake in high-latitude regions since the 1990s. This study used data from permafrost tundra sites across the circumpolar Arctic to examine the temperature responses of ecosystem carbon fluxes and their relationship with soil moisture. The results suggest that reduced soil moisture during peak summer may limit plant productivity and carbon sequestration in tundra ecosystems.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)