Snow, ponds, trees, and frogs: how environmental processes mediate climate change impacts on four subarctic terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems

• DOI: 10.1139/facets-2022-0163
• Publication Date: 2023-05-11T13:00:11Z
• Authors: M. Morison; N.J. Casson; S. Mamet; J. Davenport; T. Livingston; L.A. Fishback; H. White; A. Windsor
• Keywords: Subarctic climate; Terrestrial ecosystem; Freshwater ecosystem; Snowmelt; Environmental change

Amplified warming in subarctic regions is having measurable impacts on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem processes. At the boundary of discontinuous continuous permafrost zones, at northern extent boreal forest, Hudson Bay Lowlands has experienced, projected to continue experience dramatic rates climate change coming decades. In this review, we explore ecosystems other environmental processes that mediate these impacts. We surveyed published literature from region identify indicators associated with snowpacks, ponds, vegetation, wood frogs. These were calculated using statistically downscaled projections, potential are discussed. While there a strong trend towards longer warmer summers, changes vegetation community mean snowpacks not necessarily decreasing, which important for ponds dependent snowmelt recharge. A clear throughline complex, interconnected, nonlinear. This review provides framework understanding ways will affect regions.