Predicted responses of arctic and alpine ecosystems to altered seasonality under climate change

Authors

Jessica G. Ernakovich, University of New Hampshire, DurhamFollow
Kelly A. Hopping, Colorado State University
Aaron B. Berdanier, Duke University
Rodney T. Simpson, Colorado State University
Emily J. Kachergis, Bureau of Land Management
Heidi Steltzer, Fort Lewis College
Matthew D. Wallentein, Colorado State University

Abstract

Global climate change is already having significant impacts on arctic and alpine ecosystems, and ongoing increases in temperature and altered precipitation patterns will affect the strong seasonal patterns that characterize these temperature-limited systems. The length of the potential growing season in these tundra environments is increasing due to warmer temperatures and earlier spring snow melt. Here, we compare current and projected climate and ecological data from 20 Northern Hemisphere sites to identify how seasonal changes in the physical environment due to climate change will alter the seasonality of arctic and alpine ecosystems. We find that although arctic and alpine ecosystems appear similar under historical climate conditions, climate change will lead to divergent responses, particularly in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. As seasonality changes in the Arctic, plants will advance the timing of spring phenological events, which could increase plant nutrient uptake, production, and ecosystem carbon (C) gain. In alpine regions, photoperiod will constrain spring plant phenology, limiting the extent to which the growing season can lengthen, especially if decreased water availability from earlier snow melt and warmer summer temperatures lead to earlier senescence. The result could be a shorter growing season with decreased production and increased nutrient loss. These contrasting alpine and arctic ecosystem responses will have cascading effects on ecosystems, affecting community structure, biotic interactions, and biogeochemistry.

Department

Soil Biogeochemistry and Microbial Ecology

Publication Date

3-6-2014

Journal Title

Global Change Biology

Publisher

Wiley

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12568

Document Type

Article

Recommended Citation

Ernakovich, J.G., Hopping, K.A., Berdanier, A.B., Simpson, R.T., Kachergis, E.J., Steltzer, H. and Wallenstein, M.D. (2014), Predicted responses of arctic and alpine ecosystems to altered seasonality under climate change. Glob Change Biol, 20: 3256-3269. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12568

Rights

© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd