Laura Siegwart Collier
A5030201317- Climate change and permafrost
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Cryospheric studies and observations
- Indigenous Studies and Ecology
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Landslides and related hazards
- Tree-ring climate responses
- Biological Control of Invasive Species
- Fatty Acid Research and Health
- Culinary Culture and Tourism
- Seedling growth and survival studies
- Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights
- Paleontology and Stratigraphy of Fossils
- French Urban and Social Studies
- Climate Change and Environmental Impact
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Climate variability and models
- Arctic and Antarctic ice dynamics
- Geological formations and processes
- Plant Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics
- Food Industry and Aquatic Biology
- Geographies of human-animal interactions
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Agriculture and Rural Development Research
- Fire effects on ecosystems
Parks Canada
2021-2024
Terra Nova National Park
2020-2024
Memorial University of Newfoundland
2011-2023
St. John's University
2012
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...
Ecology Letters (2011) Abstract Understanding the sensitivity of tundra vegetation to climate warming is critical forecasting future biodiversity and feedbacks climate. In situ experiments accelerate change on a small scale forecast responses local plant communities. Limitations this approach include apparent site‐specificity results uncertainty about power short‐term studies anticipate longer term change. We address these issues with synthesis 61 experimental studies, up 20 years duration,...
Abstract Aim Plant functional groups are widely used in community ecology and earth system modelling to describe trait variation within across plant communities. However, this approach rests on the assumption that explain a large proportion of among species. We test whether four commonly represent six ecologically important traits. Location Tundra biome. Time period Data collected between 1964 2016. Major taxa studied 295 tundra vascular Methods compiled database traits (plant height, leaf...
Traditional food is central to Inuit culture and sense of identity. Recent changes in lifestyle, climate, animal populations have influenced how people practice experience activities on the land. We summarize findings 191 new archived interviews addressing continued relationships berries Canadian territories Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut. Berry plants been remain widely used throughout study area. picking an important cultural activity that contributes spiritual, personal, community...
Abstract The eastern Canadian Subarctic and Arctic are experiencing significant environmental change with widespread implications for the people, plants, animals living there. In this study, we integrate 10 years of research at Nakvak Brook watershed in Torngat Mountains National Park Canada, northern Labrador, to assess sensitivity ecological geomorphological systems regional climate warming. A time series Normalized Difference Vegetation Index indicates that area has undergone a greening...
Abstract Climate change is leading to species redistributions. In the tundra biome, shrubs are generally expanding, but not all shrub will benefit from warming. Winner and loser species, characteristics that may determine success or failure, have yet been fully identified. Here, we investigate whether past abundance changes, current range sizes projected shifts derived distribution models related plant trait values intraspecific variation. We combined 17,921 records with observed modelled...
Abstract Changes in subsistence practices have negatively affected the social and economic structure of aboriginal communities across Arctic. This has resulted fewer opportunities for transmission traditional knowledge (TK). article provides two case studies how researchers can assist northern TK provide a venue science to meet, thereby fostering positive relationship between scientists communities. Cross-cultural workshops engaging youth, Elders were held Old Crow (Yukon, western Canada)...
Berry shrubs are found across the circumpolar North where they an important source of food for people and animals. However, environmental controls on berry productivity in these regions is poorly understood. This study presents results ongoing monitoring program Empetrum nigrum L., Vaccinium uliginosum vitis-idaea L. from forest–tundra ecotone to high Arctic Canada. was highest recorded species with up 119 berries/m 2 (E. nigrum) 661 (V. uliginosum) measured at one plot Pangnirtung. On...
Tuttuk [caribou (Rangifer tarandus)] populations are in decline across Canada, making them a major conservation concern for Inuit of Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador) and Nunavik Quebec). This study investigates changes to caribou forage over 14-years at two tundra sites northern Nunatsiavut, Labrador. We ask: 1) How much the total vegetation is suitable how has this changed with time experimental warming; 2) Which species most affected by recent climate change? At control warming plots, we...
Climate change is leading to a species redistributions. In the tundra biome, many shrub are expanding into new areas, process known as shrubification. However, not all will benefit from warming. Winner and loser (those projected expand contract their ranges, and/or those that have increased or decreased in cover over time), characteristics may determine success failure, been fully identified. Here, we investigate whether current range sizes related plant trait values intraspecific variation...