Lecture 33- Changes in the North Flashcards
1
Q
Why is the north warming faster?
A
- Warming ocean = alteration to verticle mixing, transfer of warm water to surface
- Reduced seas ice = reduced albedo, further ocean warming
- Longer snow free periods
- Changes in permafrost = increase water on landscape, release of carbon
- Altered hydrology
- Change to decomposition = warmer soil temperatures, increased microbial activity
2
Q
How do species respond to climate change?
A
3
Q
Why do regime shifts occur?
A
Abrupt and persistent change in:
* Species assemblage
* Species diversity
* Ecosystem function
4
Q
Regime shifts are triggered by?
A
- Disturbance
- Climate
5
Q
Describe what is happening with shifting of the boreal forest
A
- Shifting of biomes north
- Boreal encroaches on tundra
- Dry grassland and aspen forests shift into boreal regions
6
Q
What are the mechanisms of shifting of the boreal?
A
- Fire = increased frequency, increased severity
- Drought = drier conditions encouraging aspen
- Temperature = increased evapotranspiration
- Encroaching species = deer brought in by grasses
7
Q
How are they managing for climate change?
A
- Assisted migration = movement of species north into habitat that will become suitable, allow for persistence of species
- Plant species likely to be found in the future = agriculture, forestry
- Reclaiming anthropogenic disturbances with species adapted to future climates
- Protected areas management
- Priority mapping to identify hotspots for protection
- Mapping and protection of climate refugia to preserve cold-adapted species habitat
8
Q
What are the three types of assisted migration?
A
