The changing effects of Alaska’s boreal forests on the climate system
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Abstract
In the boreal forests of Alaska, recent changes in climate have influenced the exchange of trace gases, water, and energy between these forests and the atmosphere. These changes in the structure and function of boreal forests can then feed back to impact regional and global climates. In this manuscript, we examine the type and magnitude of the climate feedbacks from boreal forests in Alaska. Research generally suggests that the net effect of a warming climate is a positive regional feedback to warming. Currently, the primary positive climate feedbacks are likely related to decreases in surface albedo due to decreases in snow cover. Fewer negative feedbacks have been identified, and they may not be large enough to counterbalance the large positive feedbacks. These positive feedbacks are most pronounced at the regional scale and reduce the resilience of the boreal vegetation – climate system by amplifying the rate of regional warming. Given the recent warming in this region, the large variety of associated mechanisms that can alter terrestrial ecosystems and influence the climate system, and a reduction in the boreal forest resilience, there is a strong need to continue to quantify and evaluate the feedback pathways.
Study Area
Publication type | Article |
---|---|
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Title | The changing effects of Alaska’s boreal forests on the climate system |
Series title | Canadian Journal of Forest Research |
DOI | 10.1139/X09-209 |
Volume | 40 |
Issue | 7 |
Year Published | 2010 |
Language | English |
Publisher | NRC Research Press |
Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Leetown |
Description | 11 p. |
First page | 1336 |
Last page | 1346 |
Country | United States |
State | Alaska |
Online Only (Y/N) | N |
Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |