Abstract:

The Arctic is experiencing rapid ongoing warming far in excess of global averages, causing structural changes in tundra ecosystems including vegetation change and permafrost thaw. One such change of relevance for tundra-climate feedback effects is the increase in above-ground vegetation, often referred to as the greening of the Arctic. Following 3−4 years of decline—for reasons that are widely debated—tundra greenness as derived from satellite observations increased again during 2015 and 2016 (Epstein et al 2017). The greening trend is generally associated with shrub expansion, however, increases in tundra productivity is not restricted to areas with shrub cover (Beck and Goetz 2011).

Lund M (2018). Uncovering the unknown-climate interactions in a changing arctic tundra. Environmental Research Letters, Bind 13, Nr. 6, 12.06.2018, s. 061001. doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/aac63f