Terrestrial Vegetation and Soils Monitoring in the Arctic Network of National Parklands

Miller C. Terrestrial Vegetation and Soils Monitoring in the Arctic Network of National Parklands. 2010. National Park Service

Vegetation is the basis for ecosystem productivity and wildlife habitat. Arctic vegetation is very sensitive to climate change and disturbance such as fire, herbivory, and traffic. Research has documented an increase in shrubs and, to a lesser extent, trees in the arctic over recent decades, probably related to climate change. Major changes in vegetation structure such as these have a cascading effect on other ecosystem attributes, such as herbivore use patterns, fire regime, and the chemistry of water bodies. In addition to vascular plants such as shrubs and herbs, the arctic has abundant lichens that provide biodiversity and wildlife forage. Lichens are quite sensitive to caribou and reindeer grazing, competition from other plants, fires, and contaminants. All of these factors could lead to decreased lichen diversity and biomass in the future.

Type
Project
Authors
Miller, Celia
Publisher
National Park Service
Units
ARCN , BELA , CAKR , GAAR , KOVA , NOAT
Keywords
Alaska, Arctic, Biomass, Chemistry, Climate, Competition, Contaminants, Disturbance, Diversity, FIRE, Grazing, Lichens, Productivity, Shrubs, Soil, Vegetation
Subjects
Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Soil Quality | Soil Function and Dynamics , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Vegetation Complex

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