CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Gagne, S.M.; and English, M.
Date : 2008.
Title : Effects of increased temperature and dry/rewetting cycles on Canadian Arctic soils.
Publication : 2008 Annual Meetings of the Canadian Association of Geographers, Ontario Division and the American Association of Geographers, East Lakes Division. October 17-19, 2008. Brock University. St. Catharines, Ontario.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, arctic regions will experience widespread changes due to climate change in this century. Studies have shown that a large portion of the world's carbon is stored in arctic soils, a significant portion of which exists as poorly decomposed organic matter in the layers of tundra soil most sensitive to changes in climate (i.e., the active zone and permafrost). Considerable climate change research has examined a range of direct atmospheric effects on arctic tundra soils; however, literature focused on the effects of climate change on the hydrology of soils has been dominated by research in more temperate ecosystems. Results from recent climate models have indicated that increases in the frequency of heavy precipitation events in the arctic will continue through this century, which is consistent with recorded increases in temperature and of atmospheric water vapour in the arctic region. Whereas increased temperatures in the arctic may dry tundra soils, when coupled with an increased frequency of heavy rain events, tundra soils may experience fluctuations in soil hydrology indicative of dry/re-wetting cycles. In reviewing the available literature regarding the impact climate change will have on dry/rewetting cycles of soils, the logical next step is to investigate this effect on arctic tundra soils.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology