Our northern ecosystems are changing and this time sea ice is not the suspect. International scientists headed up by the University of Edinburgh have results from a comprehensive study on vegetation comprising the Arctic tundra. Research was conducted on 37 sites in nine countries, monitoring shrub growth in the Arctic spanning 60 years. Curiously plant growth is not a good thing.
Arctic shrubs moving further north. Boundless.com photo.
Arctic shrubs, in most cases willows, are growing and moving north at fairly rapid rates. These tundra shrubs act as a barometer of the Arctic and their increased presence is “strong evidence” that climate change is happening. Focus on diminishing sea ice has been the headline for years and this is just auxiliary evidence that global warming is real.
The growth and spreading of these shrubs in itself is not the problem. What occurs and perpetuates increases in temperatures is the way these thicker stands of plant life fuel warming. Taller, thicker growth of shrubs prevents snow from reflecting sun back away from our planet, therefore warming the Earth’s surface. This process leads to soil temperature increase and thawing of permafrost.
Increased shrub stands change nutrient cycling and carbon levels in the soil and thus affect the decomposition rate and then the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere from thawing permafrost. Dr. Isla Myers-Smith was the study co-ordinator for this project and she cautioned on the increased shrub growth; “Arctic shrub growth in the tundra is one of the most significant examples on Earth of the effect that climate change is having on ecosystems.” ( Reported by Press Association July 6, 2015)
The research is documented comprehensively in Nature Climate Change and funded by the International Arctic Science Committee.
Yesterday, in Churchill, Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Manitoba, along with Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger announced the future construction of $31.7 million marine research facility, the Churchill Marine Observatory, in Churchill. The facility will be located adjacent to the Port of Churchill which is Canada’s sole Arctic accessible deep-water port.
Officials in Churchill announcing plans for Churchill Marine Observatory. Town of Churchill photo.
Apparently the main focus of the Churchill Marine Observatory will be a facility for researchers to study discovery, impact and mitigation of oil spill disasters in sea ice regions within the northern Arctic and subarctic regions. The observatory will also study issues encompassing present and future Arctic marine transportation. Climate change and sea ice shifting has created new possibilities for shipping in the northern regions. Canada and specifically Churchill will be strategically positioned globally through ongoing study of the scientific and economic issues that pertain to Arctic marine transportation with regards to oil and gas exploration.
Researchers from major Canadian universities, University of Washington and Canadian federal government departments will come together through this new facility. Saltwater subpools and an environmental observing system constructed on the Churchill estuary will allow scientists to study actual conditions and complications of oil spills in Arctic seawater and sea ice. Overall, hopes the project will strengthen Canada’s capacity to protect the environment in the Arctic.
An overcast day in Churchill provided the perfect setting for some beautiful photographs of the natural surroundings of the region. Birds are nesting and the wildflowers are blooming all over the tundra. Beluga whales are arriving in the Churchill River in pods and we will be posting photos soon from some Natural Habitat Adventures trips in July. Enjoy these Awesome photos!
Arctic tern in a nesting area. Rhonda Reid photo.
This exquisite close – up image of an Arctic Tern incubating eggs on its nest shows just how camouflaged their eggs are. It took me awhile to even see the one egg in front of the tern since it blends so well into the tundra. Arctic terns lay 1 – 3 eggs and both the male and female incubate the eggs for up to 22 days. After birth the parents supply small fish up until they fledge at three to four weeks old. Female and male Arctic terns mate for at least a year and can mate for life. Females lay eggs once a year. Terns live on average up to 34 years.
The photo of the three Arctic tern eggs illustrates the magnificent camouflage adaptation the eggs have developed over many years. The way animals and their eggs adapt to the environment using camouflage is fascinating. Survival of species depends on these slight changes over periods of time. The faster a species can adapt the longer they can survive in nature.
The Precambrian shield rolls down to the Hudson Bay in Churchill. Rhonda Reid photo.
Precambrian shield with a bog and krumholz spruce. Rhonda Reid photo.
These two photos of Precambrian shield rolling toward the Hudson Bay show how the rocks have been smoothed over in previous eras by ice and water covering them. If you look closely you can see marks or “striations” caused from rocks embedded in the bottom of glaciers that were dragged over them during the slow movements of the massive ice formations. It’s quite interesting to search out these striations while hiking over the shield in Churchill.
Eider duck female and her brood of five chicks. Rhonda Reid photo.
Churchill is getting into full Arctic summer swing and the region is opening up and sharing the treasures of the short season of vibrant life. Beluga whales, wildflowers, incredible bird-life and the mystery of the tundra all complete a picture of vibrant life that burns brightly for just about three months. Even polar bears join the party as the summer rolls on. Summer is a very different season then the dynamic fall polar bear season or the winter northern lights season in February and March. The summer is certainly the jewel of the Arctic!
Fireweed is prevalent in Churchill. Steve Selden photo.
Beluga whales in the Churchill River. Sea north Tours photo.
Lesser yellowlegs. Rhonda Reid photo.
Polar bears nestled in the Pre cambrian sheild. Steve Selden photo.
Kayakers surrounded by beluga whales in the hudson Bay. Sea North Tours photo.
The main food source in Churchill and surrounding estuaries in the Arctic summer is capelin. What is capelin you might ask? A small fish slightly larger in size though similar in appearance to smelt. Capelin will amass in schools of thousands and move through the water in a massive wave. Beluga whales periodically feed during the capelin run and will focus solely on the process until they are sufficiently sated. When belugas are feeding as a pod they will be completely synchronized in the water and oblivious to any whale watching vessels. Birds such as Arctic terns and Bonaparte gulls are tell tale harbingers of beluga feeding sessions as they hover overhead and dive to capture the fish pushed to the water’s surface. Once feeding time is over belugas will typically return to their curious, gregarious ways and approach boats or kayaks on the water.
Capelin schools are the most plentiful food source that belugas can feed on. The whales also scavenge mollusks and singular organisms in the water but to survive the energy constraints of frigid Arctic waters and stress of navigating ice and shoals, the mass feedings on thousands of capelin ease the strain of the harsh northern conditions.
Beluga whales feeding on capelin in the clear, cold water of the mouth of the Churchill River. Steve Selden photo.
Capelin spawn on the gravelly bottoms of shoreline and rivers close to tide-lines and many typically end up stranded along coastal beaches. During the apex of the fish run beaches can be covered with the small species.
