Published 05/06/2013
More extreme weather and temperature fluctuations in winter rush nature. Especially in the north, a modified winter climate have major impacts on vegetation and animals.
More extreme weather and temperature fluctuations in winter rush nature. Photo © J. W. Bjerke / NINA
Text: Jon Schärer, Bioforsk.
More extreme weather and temperature fluctuations in winter rush nature. Until now, researchers had the most focus on the effects of the summer, while the largest changes are expected to occur in winter. Especially in the north, a modified winter climate have major impacts on vegetation and animals.
Through EWWA project scientists want to find out how increased frequency of mild weather periods with subsequent cold and ice affect the ecosystem. They have a special focus on important pasture plants for reindeer.
In addition to individual experiments, the scientists basis of meteorological and historical data and uses satellite imagery to examine the condition of the vegetation. Here they look for a possible link between warm periods in winter and changes in vegetation, as measured in a so-called greenness index. This index is an indication of the health of vegetation and can be compared with the index values ??in the previous year.
Extreme stress scenery in the north from Bioforsk on Vimeo.
EWWA: Extreme Winter Warming in the High North and its biological effects in the past, present and future
Project Period: 2012-2014
Main Funding: RCN (NORKLIMA program). Co-financed by: Fram Centre
Project: Jarle W. Bjerke, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
Participating institutions:
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)
- Planteforsk
- Meteorological Institute
- NORUT
- Uppsala University
- University of Sheffield
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