Changing Arctic ecosystems: sea ice decline, permafrost thaw, and benefits for geese
Fact Sheet
2014-3088
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Abstract
Through the Changing Arctic Ecosystems (CAE) initiative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) strives to inform resource management decisions for Arctic Alaska by providing scientific information on current and future ecosystem response to a warming climate. A key area for the USGS CAE initiative has been the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska. This region has experienced a warming trend over the past 30 years, leading to reductions in sea ice and thawing of permafrost. Loss of sea ice has increased ocean wave action, leading to erosion and salt water inundation of coastal habitats. Saltwater tolerant plants are now thriving in these areas and this appears to be a positive outcome for geese in the Arctic. This finding is contrary to the deleterious effects that declining sea ice is having on habitats of ice-dependent animals, such as polar bear and walrus.
Suggested Citation
Flint, P.L., Whalen, M.E., Pearce, J.M., 2014, Changing Arctic ecosystems: sea ice decline, permafrost thaw, and benefits for geese: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2014-3088, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20143088.
ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Changing Arctic ecosystems: sea ice decline, permafrost thaw, and benefits for geese |
| Series title | Fact Sheet |
| Series number | 2014-3088 |
| DOI | 10.3133/fs20143088 |
| Year Published | 2014 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Alaska Science Center Biology WTEB |
| Description | 2 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |