How above- and belowground biotic traits shape insulation of permafrost in a warming Arctic
Research question
How does vegetation and soil microbe interactions insulate permafrost?
Project description
The Arctic mean annual temperature is rising over three times faster than the global average. Consequently, tens to hundreds of gigatons of carbon are estimated to be released with greenhouse gasses (GHGs) by the end of the century. Moving north, shrubs have strongly increased in cover, and predictions of permafrost thaw are challenged due to the complex interactions and insulative capacities between aboveground Arctic vegetation, and belowground soil microbes. Understanding how the above and belowground ecosystems interact and influence permafrost stability is essential for predicting the impacts of Arctic climate change.
The project aims to understand how various plant community traits and belowground factors, such as plant height and root architecture, influence permafrost insulation and stability. The study seeks to identify key drivers and mechanisms that modulate permafrost thaw under changing Arctic conditions.
Tasks
Spring: Snow depth measurements, snowmelt
Late spring/summer: site monitoring, including measurements of ALT (active layer thickness), soil moisture, NDVI and vegetation height.
From mid to the end July aboveground vegetation composition (vegetation recording with the point intercept method and cover estimations), moss density and thickness will be measured. In addition, we will measure plant traits that are related to insulation.
Mid-late July – August, soil cores will be excavated for measurements of below ground properties linked to potential insulative properties e.g. soil and root structure and characteristics and composition of microorganisms.
During autumn measurements of vegetation height, soil moisture, NDVI and ALT continue. During bad weather days biomass samples of vegetation can be sorted into functional groups inside.
During autumn we will make the experiment winterproof which involves marking plots. We will also read out some dataloggers.
Helping with collecting mosses and setting up a moss transplantation experiment in Adventdalen.
During winter, measurements of snow depth, and other winter ecologically relevant variables will be conducted.
Polar bear watch can be part of the fieldwork.
The project involves
The student will join the ongoing project, assisting in field and lab work, depending on when you join.
Starting date/Period
Experience/Skills
completed a UNIS safety training course.
Involvement
Interested in this project or need more info? Contact:
Merle Scheiner (merles@unis.no)