Plant Responses To Experimental Warming Of A Dry Heath Tundra At Barrow, Alaska
by Lisa Jeanne Walker
Abstract
The International Tundra Experiment (ITEX) was created to examine effects of increased temperature, as predicted by current Global Climate Models, on vegetation in the Arctic. This region is predicted to be the most strongly effected by temperature change. In ITEX the seasonal development, and growth patterns of plant species are examined throughout the Arctic. This report is focused on responses of dry heath vegetation at Barrow, Alaska to experimental warming. Small fiberglass chambers are used to induce warming over the tundra. Phenophases were examined according to Julian date of occurrence, number of days since snow melt, and accumulated growing degree days. Measurements were made to determine the effects of increased temperature on the total height of reproductive and vegetative growth and the 1996 stature was monitored to determine differences in growth rates. Plant responses to warming were not consistently significant during the years of this study, or between species, showing that plants respond individualistically.
Source
Walker, L. J. 1997. "Plant Responses to Experimental Warming of a Dry Heath Tundra at Barrow, Alaska." Masters Theses. Michigan State University. 102 pp.