Changing Arctic Ecosystems-Measuring and forecasting the response of Alaska‘s terrestrial ecosystem to a warming climate

Pearce, John; DeGange, Tony; Flint, Paul; Fondell, Tom; Gustine, David; Holland-Bartels, Leslie; Hope, Andrew; Hupp, Jerry; Koch, Josh; Schmutz, Joel; Talbot, Sandra; Ward, David; Whalen, Mary

Abstract:

The Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska is a complex landscape of lakes, streams, and wetlands scattered across low relief tundra that is underlain by permafrost. This region of the Arctic has experienced a warming trend over the past three decades, leading to thawing of on-shore permafrost and the disappearance of sea ice at an unprecedented rate. The loss of sea ice has increased ocean wave action, leading to higher rates of erosion and salt water inundation of coastal habitats. Warming temperatures also have advanced the overall phenology of the region, including earlier snowmelt, lake ice thaw, and plant growth. As a result, many migratory species now arrive in the Arctic several days earlier in spring than in the 1970s. Predicted warming trends for the future will continue to alter plant growth, ice thaw, and other basic landscape processes. These changes will undoubtedly result in different responses by wildlife (fish, birds, and mammals) and the food they rely upon (plants, invertebrates, and fish). However, the type of response by different wildlife populations and their habitats-either positively or negatively-remains largely unknown.

Genre:

USGS Numbered Series

ProdID:

70042129

Citation Author:

Pearce, John; DeGange, Tony; Flint, Paul; Fondell, Tom; Gustine, David; Holland-Bartels, Leslie; Hope, Andrew; Hupp, Jerry; Koch, Josh; Schmutz, Joel; Talbot, Sandra; Ward, David; Whalen, Mary

Citation Contributing Office:

Alaska Science Center

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Citation Language:

English

Citation Larger Work Title:

Citation LatN:

71.39

Citation LatS:

51.21

Citation LonE:

-129.99

Citation LonW:

172.45

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Citation Phsyical Description:

4 p.

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Citation Publisher:

U.S. Geological Survey

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Fact Sheet

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Citation Series Number:

2012-3144

Citation Search Results Text:

Changing Arctic Ecosystems-Measuring and forecasting the response of Alaska‘s terrestrial ecosystem to a warming climate; 2012; FS; 2012-3144; Pearce, John; DeGange, Tony; Flint, Paul; Fondell, Tom; Gustine, David; Holland-Bartels, Leslie; Hope, Andrew; Hupp, Jerry; Koch, Josh; Schmutz, Joel; Talbot, Sandra; Ward, David; Whalen, Mary