Bruce C. Forbes
A5045602953- Climate change and permafrost
- Indigenous Studies and Ecology
- Cryospheric studies and observations
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Arctic and Russian Policy Studies
- Peatlands and Wetlands Ecology
- Arctic and Antarctic ice dynamics
- Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology
- Tree-ring climate responses
- Botany and Plant Ecology Studies
- Geological Studies and Exploration
- Atmospheric and Environmental Gas Dynamics
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Lichen and fungal ecology
- Environmental and Cultural Studies in Latin America and Beyond
- Climate variability and models
- Ecology and biodiversity studies
- Landslides and related hazards
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Coastal wetland ecosystem dynamics
- Fire effects on ecosystems
- Land Use and Ecosystem Services
University of Lapland
2015-2024
University of Turku
2024
Arctic Research Centre
2012
International HIV/AIDS Alliance
2003
National Library of Sweden
2000
McGill University
1992-1993
University of Guelph
1993
York University
1990
Abstract Recent research using repeat photography, long-term ecological monitoring and dendrochronology has documented shrub expansion in arctic, high-latitude alpine tundra ecosystems. Here, we (1) synthesize these findings, (2) present a conceptual framework that identifies mechanisms constraints on increase, (3) explore causes, feedbacks implications of the increased cover ecosystems, (4) address potential lines investigation for future research. Satellite observations from around...
Abstract Growth in arctic vegetation is generally expected to increase under a warming climate, particularly among deciduous shrubs. We analyzed annual ring growth for an abundant and nearly circumpolar erect willow ( Salix lanata L.) from the coastal zone of northwest Russian Arctic (Nenets Autonomous Okrug). The resulting chronology strongly related summer temperature period 1942–2005. Remarkably high correlations occur at long distances (>1600 km) across tundra taiga zones West Siberia...
Arctic warming can influence tundra ecosystem function with consequences for climate feedbacks, wildlife and human communities. Yet ecological change across the biome remains poorly quantified due to field measurement limitations reliance on coarse-resolution satellite data. Here, we assess decadal changes in greenness using time series from 30 m resolution Landsat satellites. From 1985 2016 increased (greening) at ~37.3% of sampling sites decreased (browning) ~4.7% sites. Greening occurred...
As the permafrost region warms, its large organic carbon pool will be increasingly vulnerable to decomposition, combustion, and hydrologic export. Models predict that some portion of this release offset by increased production Arctic boreal biomass; however, lack robust estimates net balance increases risk further overshooting international emissions targets. Precise empirical or model-based assessments critical factors driving are unlikely in near future, so address gap, we present from 98...
As the Arctic continues to warm faster than rest of planet, evidence mounts that region is experiencing unprecedented environmental change. The hydrological cycle projected intensify throughout twenty-first century, with increased evaporation from expanding open water areas and more precipitation. latest projections sixth phase Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) point rapid warming sea-ice loss by year 2100 in previous projections, consequently, larger changes cycle. precipitation...
Abstract. Soils in Arctic and boreal ecosystems store twice as much carbon the atmosphere, a portion of which may be released high-latitude soils warm. Some uncertainty timing magnitude permafrost–climate feedback stems from complex interactions between ecosystem properties soil thermal dynamics. Terrestrial fundamentally regulate response permafrost to climate change by influencing surface energy partitioning itself. Here we review how processes influence dynamics these linkages evolve...
Tundra ecosystems are vulnerable to hydrocarbon development, in part because small-scale, low-intensity disturbances can affect vegetation, permafrost soils, and wildlife out of proportion their spatial extent. Scaling up include human residents, tightly integrated arctic social-ecological systems (SESs) believed similarly susceptible industrial impacts climate change. In contrast northern Alaska Canada, most terrestrial aquatic components West Siberian oil gas fields seasonally exploited by...
Sea ice loss is accelerating in the Barents and Kara Seas (BKS). Assessing potential linkages between sea retreat/thinning region's ancient unique social–ecological systems a pressing task. Tundra nomadism remains vitally important livelihood for indigenous Nenets their large reindeer herds. Warming summer air temperatures have been linked to more frequent sustained high-pressure over West Siberia, Russia, but not retreat. At same time, autumn/winter rain-on-snow (ROS) events become intense....
Satellite-based measurements of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI; an greenness and photosynthetic capacity) indicate that tundra environments are generally greening becoming more productive as climates warm in Arctic. The greening, however, varies is even negative some parts To help interpret space-based observations, International Polar Year (IPY) Greening Arctic project conducted ground-based surveys along two >1500 km transects span all five bioclimate subzones. Here we...
Abstract According to some treatises, arctic and alpine sub‐biomes are ecologically similar, whereas others find them highly dissimilar. Most peculiarly, large areas of northern tundra highlands fall outside the two recent subdivisions biome. We seek an natural resolution this long‐standing far‐reaching problem. studied broad‐scale patterns in climate vegetation along gradient from Siberian via northernmost Fennoscandia habitats European middle‐latitude mountains, as well explored those...
Abstract The majority of variation in six traits critical to the growth, survival and reproduction plant species is thought be organised along just two dimensions, corresponding strategies size resource acquisition. However, it unknown whether global trait relationships extend climatic extremes, if these interspecific are confounded by within species. We test cold extremes life on Earth using largest database tundra yet compiled. show that plants demonstrate remarkably similar economic...
Abstract Observations taken over the last few decades indicate that dramatic changes are occurring in Arctic‐Boreal Zone (ABZ), which having significant impacts on ABZ inhabitants, infrastructure, flora and fauna, economies. While suitable for detecting overall change, current capability is inadequate systematic monitoring improving process‐based large‐scale understanding of integrated components ABZ, includes cryosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere. Such knowledge will lead to...
Climate change is a major challenge to Arctic and other Indigenous peoples, but not the only often most pressing one. We propose re-framing treatment of climate in policy research, make sure health, poverty, education, cultural vitality, equity, justice, topics highlighted by people themselves just science also get attention they deserve research on global regional environmental change. can exacerbate problems, singular focus change—as case much existing literature elsewhere—can distract...
When rain falls on an existing cover of snow, followed by low temperatures, or as freezing rain, it can leave a hard crust. These Arctic snow (ROS) events profoundly influence the environment and in turn, human livelihoods. Impacts be immediate (e.g. travel, herding, harvesting) evolve accumulate, leading to massive starvation-induced die-offs reindeer, caribou, musk oxen, for example. We provide here review synthesis ROS their impacts, addressing human-environment relationships,...