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Forests on thawing permafrost: fragmentation, edge effects, and net forest loss
Jennifer L Baltzer1, Tyler Veness, Laura E Chasmer
1Biology Department, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave. W, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3C5; Centre for Cold Regions & Water Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave. W, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3C5.
Global Change Biology
|August 14, 2013
Summary
Forest fragmentation accelerates permafrost thaw and boreal forest loss in the North American subarctic. Edge effects significantly alter soil moisture and tree water uptake, impacting forest resilience to climate change.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Permafrost Science
- Climate Change Research
Background:
- Boreal forests globally are situated on permafrost, making them vulnerable to climate change.
- Permafrost thaw in the North American subarctic is causing widespread forest loss.
- The impact of forest fragmentation on permafrost thaw and forest dynamics remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between forest fragmentation and permafrost thaw-induced forest loss.
- To quantify biotic and abiotic changes at the edges of boreal peat plateaus.
- To understand edge effects on forest ecosystems experiencing permafrost degradation.
Main Methods:
- Quantified forest loss in relation to peat plateau fragmentation (perimeter-to-area ratio).
- Measured changes in active layer depth, soil moisture, and effective leaf area index (LAIe) across forest-wetland transitions.
- Assessed tree water uptake and radial growth at plateau edges versus interiors.
Main Results:
- Higher fragmentation (edge:area ratio) correlated with increased rates of forest loss.
- Permafrost thaw effects, including altered soil moisture and LAIe, extended 3-15 meters into plateau forests.
- Tree water uptake was significantly higher in forest interiors compared to edges, impacting growth.
Conclusions:
- Forest fragmentation exacerbates permafrost thaw and subsequent boreal forest loss.
- Edge effects alter critical soil and vegetation conditions, influencing forest health.
- Understanding these processes is crucial for predicting high-latitude ecosystem responses to climate change.
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