IPY follow-up requires year-round research on Arctic and global warming
Research teams need more focused investigation into Arctic effects of global warming, particularly in early spring and winter.
Arctic Ecosystems
Articles tagged with Arctic Ecosystems
Scientists seek new emphases in Arctic climate change research
Researchers highlight the need to study the indirect effects of climate change on plants, animals, and humans in the Arctic. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding the ecology of Arctic winters, conservation of ecosystems, and the impact of extreme events.
Dramatic biological responses to global warming in the Arctic
The Arctic is experiencing dramatic biological responses to global warming, with many iconic species facing extinction due to loss of polar ice habitat. However, some species are adapting, such as reindeer that benefit from melting snow, while others, like caribou, are declining in numbers.
Arctic oil: A boon for nest predators
A new study reveals that oil development in the Arctic is attracting opportunistic predators like Arctic foxes, ravens, and gulls, which feed on nesting birds. These predators are using oil infrastructure to build nests or dens, leading to a significant loss of nests in areas closer to oil development.
Satellites and submarines give the skinny on sea ice thickness
Scientists Ron Kwok and Drew Rothrock extend Arctic sea ice record by combining ICESat satellite data with U.S. Navy submarine records, revealing a 53% decline in sea ice thickness since 1980. The study provides insights into the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and global climate.
Erosion rates double along portion of Alaska's coast
A new study found that coastal erosion in Alaska more than doubled from historical rates, averaging over 14 meters per year. The authors attribute this increase to declining sea ice extent, rising sea temperatures, and storm power, which may signal a shift in ocean-land interactions.
Inuit are on the right track
The Inuit's vast geographic knowledge has been transmitted through generations by oral means, without written documentation. Their trails represent a sophisticated network of routes connecting communities across the Canadian Arctic.
Study links ecosystem changes in temperate lakes to climate warming
Researchers at Queen's University found striking ecosystem changes in temperate lakes due to climate warming. Changes were observed decades later than in Arctic lakes, with relationships between lake algae and air temperature, ice-out records, and long-term changes.
Snowy owl -- a marine species?
Researchers have found that snowy owls spend most of winter on Arctic sea ice, where they may prey on seabirds and face potential climate change implications. The birds' long-distance migrations, tracked by satellite technology, suggest they are vulnerable to climate change.
Ecologists use oceanographic data to predict future climate change
A team of researchers used oceanographic data to predict the potential consequences of climate change on a global scale. They found that if current trends continue, altered ocean circulation could lead to dramatic implications for the world's climate and biosphere.
Ecologists use oceanographic data to predict future climate change
Researchers reconstructed Arctic climate patterns over 65 million years, revealing a link between Arctic cooling and global cooling. Changes in ocean circulation could lead to abrupt changes in climate, similar to those that occurred at the onset of the last ice age.
Evidence found for climate-driven ecological shifts in North Atlantic, says Cornell study
A new Cornell University study found that climate change is driving rapid ecosystem shifts in the North Atlantic, with cold Arctic waters flowing south and altering species distributions and food chains. The study reports counterintuitive findings, including northern species moving southward as temperatures rise.
Experts meet on need for new rules to govern world's fragile polar regions
The need for international cooperation and regulation is growing in response to climate change, overfishing, pollution, and other impacts on polar ecosystems. The conference aimed to identify priorities for law-making and research, as well as offer advice to decision-makers on protecting the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Sustainability science policy paper wins Ecological Society of America award
A paper by F. Stuart Chapin III and colleagues presents policy strategies for sustainable management of Alaskan boreal forests in response to climate change, integrating ecological and social sciences. The award recognizes the research's contribution to sustainability science.
Arctic marine mammals on thin ice
The loss of sea ice due to climate change poses a significant threat to Arctic marine mammals, including polar bears, hooded seals, and narwhals. Conservation measures may help mitigate the effects, but reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are crucial for long-term conservation.
Fireproofing homes dramatically reduces forest fire size, according to new study
A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder found that fireproofing houses in forests can significantly reduce wildfire sizes. By insulating homes, fire risk is reduced, protecting not only structures but also neighboring forests and communities.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2007
Global warming is evaporating Arctic ponds, new study shows
Researchers at Queen's University find Arctic ponds evaporating due to recent climate warming, crossing ecological threshold. Ponds were once permanent water bodies for millennia but are now drying up and becoming saltier as water evaporates.
UAF researchers garner $6.5 million in NSF grants
Four UAF researchers have been awarded significant funding from the National Science Foundation for projects studying the Arctic circumpolar region. The research, including studies on climate change, boreal forests and winter precipitation, aims to better understand the structure of the stratospheric vortex and its impact on ecosystems.
Shrinking ponds signal warmer, dryer Alaska
A study of 50 years of remotely sensed imagery reveals dramatic reductions in arctic ponds in Alaska, linked to recent climate warming. The shrinking ponds may impact waterfowl production and climate regulation, highlighting the need for land managers to address these changes.
Warming climate may put chill on arctic polar bear population
Researchers from NASA and the Canadian Wildlife Service found that climate warming is negatively impacting polar bears due to shorter spring hunting seasons and reduced sea-ice cover. This can lead to a decline in female reproduction, reduced body weight, and increased human-bear conflicts.
Ancient Arctic water cycles are red flags to future global warming
Researchers studied ancient Arctic water cycles during a period of rapid, extreme global warming 55 million years ago. The study found that increased precipitation led to lower ocean salinity and drastically lower oxygen levels in the Arctic Ocean, similar to predicted effects of greenhouse gases.
Arctic nations' wealth key to management of climate change
Experts recommend Arctic nations designate marine protected areas, foster economic adaptation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to cope with climate change. Implementing these policies could significantly slow the rates of Arctic change.
Yellowstone ecosystem may lose key migrant
A 6,000-year-old migration route of the pronghorn antelope in Yellowstone National Park is under threat from continued development and human disturbance. The study's findings highlight the need for immediate recognition and protection to safeguard this unique population.
New method confirms importance of fungi in Arctic nitrogen cycle
A new study has quantified the role of mycorrhizal fungi in nitrogen cycling for the first time using a mass balance approach. The researchers found that 61-86% of the nitrogen in plants at an Arctic site entered through fungal symbionts, shedding light on the importance of these organisms in arctic tundra ecosystems.
Bering Sea ecosystem responding to changes in Arctic climate
The Bering Sea ecosystem is responding to changes in Arctic climate, with shifts in species and ecosystem structure impacting native communities. The region's productivity and carbon balance are being altered, with potential implications for the role of the sea as a carbon sink.
The Arctic and global warming
Dr. Sharon Smith's research warns of potentially dramatic changes in the Arctic ecosystem due to anthropogenic warming, disrupting feeding patterns and food source availability for marine life. The study highlights the urgent need to address global climate change and its impacts on vulnerable ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateFeb 20, 2006
Alaska avian flu project issues initial surveillance results
Scientists in Alaska screened over 4,500 samples for avian influenza viruses, detecting 30 cases with varying subtypes. Notably, none of these strains tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 subtype, but researchers will continue to monitor the state's risk and build predictive models to understand virus evolution.
MBL scientist John Hobbie to receive Lifetime Achievement Award
John Hobbie, a renowned marine biologist, is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work on decomposition and productivity in aquatic ecosystems. With over 40 years of research experience, he has made significant contributions to our understanding of estuaries and coastal ecosystems.
Coming to the Arctic near you: The longer, hotter summer
Recent changes in Arctic snow-free seasons have triggered feedbacks that amplify future rates of summer warming. The study found that changes in season length, rather than vegetation increases, explain this observation. This mechanism could further amplify atmospheric heating by up to 2-7 times.
Humans trading short-term food production for long-term environmental losses
The University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate program's Regional Resilience and Adaptation Program offers potential solutions to modern land-use practices. Students are trained to address issues of regional and global sustainability, recognizing both short- and long-term needs.
Widespread Arctic warming crosses critical ecological thresholds, scientists warn
A new international study suggests that climate change is causing dramatic changes in the community composition of freshwater algae, water fleas, and insect larvae in five circumpolar countries. The team's findings indicate that climate-related phenomena like receding ice cover in lakes are associated with these changes.
Researchers find frozen north may accelerate climate change
A recent study suggests that climate warming in the arctic tundra may cause the release of more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than previously expected. The research, led by Michelle Mack and Edward Schuur, found that increased nitrogen levels accelerated the breakdown of soil organic matter, leading to a net loss of carbon.
Researchers publish Circumpolar Arctic Vegetation Map
A new map of the Arctic Tundra Biome has been published, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's vegetation and associated characteristics. The Circumpolar Arctic Vegetation Map (CAVM) offers critical data for conservation and climate change efforts, including information on land-use change and plant biomass.
Polar bear headed for extinction, says University of Alberta scientist
A University of Alberta scientist warns that polar bears are in danger of extinction due to the rapid melting of Arctic ice. The world's largest terrestrial carnivores rely on sea ice for survival, and climate change is accelerating its disappearance.
URI oceanographers receive $900,000 from NSF to study carbon cycling in Arctic Ocean
Researchers will examine physical and biological processes in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas to assess climate change impacts. They will analyze planktonic food web interactions and quantify export flux of particulate organic carbon.
Climate change in the USA
Researchers will examine climate change's effects on ecosystems, societal perceptions, and natural resources in the United States. Key findings include vulnerabilities of specific regions and possible coping strategies for adapting to projected water and nutrient shortages.
Arctic ecosystems being nibbled away
Small-scale human disturbances, such as heavy vehicle use and recreation, are reducing species diversity in Arctic ecosystems. The study found that these disturbances can cause lasting changes, including melting permafrost and decreased plant biodiversity.
Study: sea salt seasons chemical brew that destroys Arctic ozone
Purdue University researchers found that sea salt and sunlight interact to destroy ozone in the Arctic troposphere. The study suggests a naturally occurring process that may impact air quality in urban areas.
Arctic temperatures warmest in past four centuries, study says
A new review paper by University of Colorado at Boulder researcher Mark Serreze and nine co-authors confirms that Arctic temperatures have warmed to the highest levels in four centuries, largely due to human activity. The study also highlights the degradation of climate data from the region, threatening long-term monitoring efforts.
CU-Boulder developing $1 million science project for Alaskan students
A University of Colorado at Boulder researcher is developing an interactive computer program for Alaskan middle school students to interest them in science and show the relevance of science to native Alaskans' daily lives. The project includes interactive stories, hands-on laboratory work, and use of special reference libraries.
UW scientists say Arctic oscillation might carry evidence of global warming
Researchers find significant changes in Arctic oscillation have influenced temperature and precipitation patterns in the Northern Hemisphere over the last 30 years. The shift could be caused by human-induced climate change and is linked to ozone depletion and greenhouse gas buildup.
Purdue Study Rethinks Atmospheric Chemistry From Ground Up
A new study by Purdue University researchers reveals that snowpacks not only absorb chemicals but also produce them in the Arctic atmosphere. The findings challenge previous assumptions about how atmospheric gases are processed and may require a re-evaluation of data from ice core studies.
Arctic indigenous leaders, scientists to study reindeer and caribou systems
Indigenous leaders, scientists, and policy makers from 10 countries will gather in Finland to discuss the impact of human activity on Arctic caribou and reindeer communities. The goal is to develop a comprehensive plan for scientific research that promotes the well-being of Arctic residents and reduces conflicts over resource use.
Bones of Crocodile-like Beasts Tell Tale of Global Warming
Fossils of crocodile-like champsosaurs, turtles and fish found in high Canadian Arctic reveal extremely warm temperatures. The findings suggest that volcanic eruptions dumped large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing global warming.
Boulder Scientists Involved In Effort To Study Arctic Warming
Researchers from CU-Boulder are part of a major international project to understand climate change trends in the Arctic and its impact on global temperatures. The Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean project uses aircraft, satellites, ships, and submarines to study interactions between sea ice, atmosphere, and clouds.
Arctic Ozone Hole, Responding To Greenhouse Gases, Will Worsen Through 2020, Columbia Team Finds
A new study by Columbia University and NASA finds that the Arctic ozone hole is projected to double in size by 2020, leading to increased skin cancer cases globally. The research models show that greenhouse gases are cooling the stratosphere, causing more ozone depletion.
Arctic Tundra Now Pumping More Carbon Into Atmosphere
Recent experiments on Alaska's North Slope show that the arctic tundra is now releasing more carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere than it absorbs. This could exacerbate global warming due to the release of stored carbon from thawing permafrost.