Tundra Zone Research Articles

Hydroclimatic Controls on the Isotopic (δ18 O, δ2 H, d-excess) Traits of Pan-Arctic Summer Rainfall Events

Arctic sea-ice loss is emblematic of an amplified Arctic water cycle and has critical feedback implications for global climate. Stable isotopes (δ18O, δ2H, d-excess) are valuable tracers for constraining water cycle and climate processes through space and time. Yet, the paucity of well-resolved Arctic isotope data preclude an empirically derived understanding of the hydrologic changes occurring today, in the deep (geologic) past, and in the future. To address this knowledge gap, the Pan-Arctic Precipitation Isotope Network (PAPIN) was established in 2018 to coordinate precipitation sampling at 19 stations across key tundra, subarctic, maritime, and continental climate zones. Here, we present a first assessment of rainfall samples collected in summer 2018 (n = 281) and combine new isotope and meteorological data with sea ice observations, reanalysis data, and model simulations. Data collectively establish a summer Arctic Meteoric Water Line where δ2H = 7.6⋅δ18O–1.8 (r2 = 0.96, p < 0.01). Mean amount-weighted δ18O, δ2H, and d-excess values were −12.3, −93.5, and 4.9‰, respectively, with the lowest summer mean δ18O value observed in northwest Greenland (−19.9‰) and the highest in Iceland (−7.3‰). Southern Alaska recorded the lowest mean d-excess (−8.2%) and northern Russia the highest (9.9‰). We identify a range of δ18O-temperature coefficients from 0.31‰/°C (Alaska) to 0.93‰/°C (Russia). The steepest regression slopes (>0.75‰/°C) were observed at continental sites, while statistically significant temperature relations were generally absent at coastal stations. Model outputs indicate that 68% of the summer precipitating air masses were transported into the Arctic from mid-latitudes and were characterized by relatively high δ18O values. Yet 32% of precipitation events, characterized by lower δ18O and high d-excess values, derived from northerly air masses transported from the Arctic Ocean and/or its marginal seas, highlighting key emergent oceanic moisture sources as sea ice cover declines. Resolving these processes across broader spatial-temporal scales is an ongoing research priority, and will be key to quantifying the past, present, and future feedbacks of an amplified Arctic water cycle on the global climate system.

THE POSSIBILITY OF USING DRILING WASTEWATER IN THE REMEDIATION OF DISTURBED LAND

The paper examines the possibility of using drilling wastewater in the remediation of disturbed land. The samples were examined using concentration meter, spectrophometer, and pH meter. Studies on the metal content were carried out by atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. It was found that the liquid drilling waste contains a complex of biophilic elements: N, Ca, Na, K, P, S, Cl, Fe, Cu, Co, Mn, Zn. Three soil plots for sowing grasses on liquid drilling waste were studied. The soil was furrowed and the grass mixture was sown using working solutions. The possibility of using drilling wastewater as a meliorant in the conditions of forest-tundra and tundra zones of the Krasnoyarsk Territory has been established. The results of experimental data indicate that the use of components of liquid drilling waste in the formulation of agrochemical preparations does not have a negative effect on seed germination and plant growth.

Bugs (Heteroptera) of treeless areas of Chukotka (Russia)

The article summarizes the data on bugs in the treeless areas of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (tundra zone and the elfin wood subzone). Taking into account the available literary sources, as well as new materials (obtained in 2010s), 62 species of Heteroptera from 41 genera and 12 families are known here; 18 species recorded for these landscapes for the first time and 11 — for the Chukotka AO as a whole. There are: Saldula fucicola (J. Sahlberg, 1970) (Saldidae), Acompocoris brevirostris Kerzhner, 1979 (Anthocoridae); Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür, 1843), Leptopterna ferrugata (Linnaeus, 1758), Teratocoris saundersi Douglas et Scott, 1869, Plagiognathus obscuriceps (Stål, 1858), Plagiognathus pini Vinokurov, 1978, Psallus anticus (Reuter, 1876) (Miridae); Kleidocerys resedae (Panzer, 1797) (Lygaeidae); Aelia frigida Kiritshenko, 1926, Rhacognathus punctatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pentatomidae). The number of known Heteroptera species for the tundra region of Chukotka increased from 39 to 51; for the elfin wood subzone — from 10 to 32 species. Some distribution features of bug species within zonal and climatic gradients of Chukotka are revealed.

<p><strong><em>Carex ×payettei</em>, a new hybrid of <em>Carex</em> sect. <em>Racemosae</em> described from subarctic Quebec, Canada (Cyperaceae)</strong></p>

A new hybrid is described between two boreal species of Carex sect. Racemosae, the North American Carex atratiformis and the circumboreal Carex media, under the name of Carex ×payettei. It is reported in Nunavik (Northern Quebec, Canada), in nine localities within the Forest Tundra and Open Boreal Forest zones. It is intermediate in morphology between the parental species and is not completely sterile, frequently producing fruits. Pollen stainability of the hybrid varied between 10% and 37% while its parents display values above 95%.

Genetic and Epigenetic Changes during the Upward Expansion of Deyeuxia angustifolia Kom. in the Alpine Tundra of the Changbai Mountains, China.

Ecological adaptation plays an important role in the process of plant expansion, and genetics and epigenetics are important in the process of plant adaptation. In this study, genetic and epigenetic analyses and soil properties were performed on D. angustifolia of 17 populations, which were selected in the tundra zone on the western slope of the Changbai Mountains. Our results showed that the levels of genetic and epigenetic diversity of D. angustifolia were relatively low, and the main variation occurred among different populations (amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP): 95%, methylation sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP): 87%). In addition, DNA methylation levels varied from 23.36% to 35.70%. Principal component analysis (PCA) results showed that soil properties of different populations were heterogeneous. Correlation analyses showed that soil moisture, pH and total nitrogen were significantly correlated with genetic diversity of D. angustifolia, and soil temperature and pH were closely related to epigenetic diversity. Simple Mantel tests and partial Mantel tests showed that genetic variation significantly correlated with habitat or geographical distance. However, the correlation between epigenetic variation and habitat or geographical distance was not significant. Our results showed that, in the case of low genetic variation and genetic diversity, epigenetic variation and DNA methylation may provide a basis for the adaptation of D. angustifolia.

Warming matters: alpine plant responses to experimental warming

Climate change has pronounced impacts on plants, particularly in environments vulnerable to warming such as alpine zones. Although plant responses in tundra and alpine environments from high latitudes have been well-studied at the community level, the overall effect of warming on global alpine plant populations and species remains unclear. We collated global data from 46 open-top chamber (OTC) studies conducted on alpine plants from mountain belts worldwide and assessed potential effects of warming on plant performance. In addition, we examined warming responses of plants from the tundra zone (Arctic tundra and alpine tundra) in circumpolar regions. In terms of growth and reproductive output, the overall response of 91 plant species was highly positive. Shrubs grew significantly larger and expressed higher reproduction under warming compared to forbs and graminoids. Arctic tundra plants tended to respond more positively to warming compared to alpine tundra plants. We also found that plant responses were greater with increasing precipitation across circumpolar tundra, but not across alpine zones. Phenotypic plasticity in size- and fitness-related traits were similar for both alpine and tundra zones. Our findings support the notion that global warming can cause significant changes to alpine environments. Due to changes in biotic interactions, alpine tundra plants may be more negatively affected by warming compared to Arctic tundra plants which responded more positively to warming. Similarly, if shrubs are most advantaged under warming, their invasion into higher elevations may threaten the ecological functioning of alpine ecosystems, which is another serious challenge from climate change.

Чек-лист синтаксонов Российской Арктики: текущее состояние классификации растительности

Чек-лист синтаксонов Российской Арктики: текущее состояние классификации растительности

Растительность класса Scheuchzerio–Caricetea fuscae Tx. 1937 в районе горного массива Янганапэ (восточный макросклон Полярного Урала)

Растительность класса Scheuchzerio–Caricetea fuscae Tx. 1937 в районе горного массива Янганапэ (восточный макросклон Полярного Урала)

Классификация и картографирование местообитаний северо-западной части Большеземельской тундры

Классификация и картографирование местообитаний северо-западной части Большеземельской тундры

The genus Teilingia Bourrelly in waterbodies of West Siberia (Russia)

The data on the species diversity of representatives of the genus Teilingia Bourrelly are summarized. from the water bodies of Western Siberia, their distribution by zones and subzones. To date, 4 species and intraspecific taxa from the order Desmidiales are known for the region. Representatives of this family are found mosaically throughout the entire territory of Western Siberia. The largest number of taxa (3) was found in the middle taiga, in the tundra – two species. No species were found in the Irtysh floodplain, forest tundra, northern taiga, forest-steppe and steppe zones. In watercourses, including the Ob and Irtysh, as well as in lakes of different types, 3 taxa were identified, respectively. One species was found in swamps and in temporary reservoirs.

Methane Emission from Palsa Mires in Northeastern European Russia

Measurement data on methane fluxes in the palsa mire ecosystem at the border of tundra and taiga zones in northeastern European Russia are presented. It was found for the first time that an intense methane flux from the surface of the permafrost mound (palsa) is determined by the spring thawing of the seasonally thawed horizon in the layer of 14–25 cm. During this period, the emission was 4–20 times higher than the summer values. In lichen communities of peat mounds, the CH4 sink prevailed during the summer-autumn period. The total methane flux in different parts of the mire in June–September varied from 0.18 to 16.5 kg CH4/ha. In general, the palsa mire emitted 81 kg CH4/ha per year to the atmosphere. The methane emission from the surface of peat mounds and hollows made up 20% and 80% of the annual flux, respectively.

К флоре мхов тундровой зоны Кольского полуострова (Северо-Запад России)

Moss flora of surroundings of the Drozdovka and Ivanovskaya bays on the northeastern coast of the Kola Peninsula (Barents Sea) was studied in 2016. A list of 203 species of mosses is presented, 13 of them are new for tundra zone of the Murmansk Region. 135 species were collected within the Nature monument “Guba Ivanovskaya”. Some rare variations and forms of mosses were collected. New localities of 6 species included in the Red Data Book of the Murmansk Region (2014) were found. Populations of Cynodontium suecicum, rare in the world species, was revealed near Drozdovka River. The studied bryoflora is similar to the other local moss floras of the tundra zone of the Murmansk Region.

Population genomics of a reindeer lichen species from North American lichen woodlands.

Lichens are one of the main structural components of plant communities in the North American boreal biome. They play a pivotal role in lichen woodlands, a large ecosystem situated north of the closed-crown forest zone, and south of the forest-tundra zone. In Eastern Canada (Quebec), there is a remnant LW found 500 km south of its usual distribution range, in the Parc National des Grands-Jardins, originated mainly because of wildfires. We inferred the origin of the lichen Cladonia stellaris from this LW and assessed its genetic diversity in a postfire succession. We genotyped 122 individuals collected across a latitudinal gradient in Quebec. Using the software Stacks, we compared four different approaches of locus selection and single-nucleotide polymorphismcalling. We identified the best fitting approach to investigate population structure and estimate genetic diversity of C. stellaris. Populations in southern Quebec are not genetically different from those of northern LWs. The species consists of at least four phylogenetic lineages with elevated levels of genetic diversity and low co-ancestry. In Parc National des Grands-Jardins, we reported high values of genetic diversity not related with time since fire disturbance and low genetic differentiation among populations with different fire histories. This first population genomic study of C. stellaris is an important step forward to understand the origin and biogeographic patterns of lichen woodlands in North America. Our findings also contribute to the understanding of the effect of postfire succession on the genetic structure of the species.

Происхождение гольцовых пустынь Европейской Арктики: обзор теорий.

The main theories of origin of the European Arctic tundra and subarctic mountain(goltzy)deserts are reviewed, in application to the Kola Peninsula. The theory of «tabula rasa» stated that all plants died during glaciation, and then immigrated fromtheCentral Europe, Siberia, and British Isles. According to another theory, during several Pleistocene glaciations, plants survived in ice-free refugia. Modern bota-ny point of views supports post-glacial migration of species and rather «tabula rasa»theory. The border of the timberline moving up inthe Holocene thermal optimum did not affect the subarctic mountain de-serts, unlike the tundra zone. Based on this, the evolution of the high mountain deserts vegetation probably meant the establishment of groups of species that differ from modern communities of the lower disposed tundra zone. Many types of mountain tundra vegetation, apparently, came from the mountains of North-East Azia; however, many species have been originated from the forest communi-ties. The subarctic mountain deserts have apparently not changed since the retreat of the glacier.

Climate-Related Changes in the Vegetation Cover of the Taiga and Tundra of West Siberia over the Period of 1982–2015 Based on Satellite Data

This paper presents the results of a trend and correlation analysis of the air temperature and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) performed for the warm season in the taiga and tundra zones of West Siberia over the period of 1982–2015. Both in the taiga and tundra zones, a significant increase in NDVI values is observed in certain months of the spring–summer period amid significant (α = 0.05) positive air temperature trends. The air temperature and NDVI trends have been computed for the taiga and tundra zones from April to October over the period of 1982–2015; the irregularity of their spatial distribution in the study area is demonstrated. It is established that the vegetation development during the warm season is significantly determined by its development in the first month of the warm season (May for taiga and June for tundra). In the taiga zone, the NDVI value in May is formed under the influence of April and May temperatures; in the tundra zone, it is formed in June under the influence of June temperatures. However, the input of May temperatures into the formation of the tundra vegetation cover has increased in recent years due to climate warming. Significant correlation coefficients between the NDVI and averaged temperatures in April–May and May–June are typical for most of the study area, except for coastal northern regions in the first case and southwestern regions in the second case.

The Content and Composition of Organic Matter in Soils of the Subpolar Urals

Soil organic matter at high latitudes is an important and sensitive indicator of climate change. This article describes the main morphological features, chemical properties, and composition of organic matter in the main types of soils along the altitudinal gradient of the Subpolar Urals. Soils formed in the mountain tundra zone (gleyic humus-illuvial podbur/Skeletiс Stagnic Entic Podzol (Turbic)), in the mountain subalpine zone (gray-humus soil/Skeletiс Umbrisol), in the mountain taiga zone (iron-illuvial podzol/Skeletiс Albic Podzol), and in the mountain tundra zone with permafrost (permafrost-affected gleyic humus-illuvial podbur/Skeletiс Folic Cryosol (Humic)) were studied. The method of densimetric fractionation was applied to study soil organic matter; it enabled us to distinguish its three fractions, differing in carbon participation in the biological turnover: free particulate organic matter (fPOM 1.6). The latter fraction dominated in the upper mineral soil horizons and comprised 89–93% of the total organic carbon. The content of light fractions was significantly lower (0.6–4.7%). However, the content of organic carbon and nitrogen in the studied soils directly correlated with the contents of light fractions fPOM<1.6 (r = 0.40 and r = 0.79, p < 0.05) and oPOM<1.6 (r = 0.68 and r = 0.83, p < 0.05). Aliphatic fragments dominated in the composition of POM; their content varied from 74.5 to 80.5% for fPOM<1.6 and from 77.9 to 84.2% for oPOM<1.6. In addition, it was found that the organic matter of the oPOM<1.6 fraction was characterized by a higher decomposition rate (0.4–2.4) and hydrophobicity (34.7–66.5%).

Peculiarities of the course of the postpartum period in domestic reindeer females, its morphophysiology and behavioral reactions in the North-East of Russia (Republic of Sakha)

A growth in the number of deer and an increase in their productivity are closely related to the solution of the complex problem of reproduction and rational use of deer females. Significant damage to reindeer husbandry is caused by the barrenness of northern domestic deer, the level of which has been quite high in recent years. So, in the Republic of Sakha, on 01.01.2020, the number of domesticated reindeer was 152,068, of which female deer and heifers — 71,818, offspring per 100 females — 59, business yield amounted to 52 fawns per 100 females. The causes of infertility are very diverse, as the natural and climatic conditions of the breeding zones have a significant influence on the reproductive function of reindeer. In Yakutia, the main population of northern domestic deer is bred in mountain taiga and tundra natural-climatic zones, so there are about 55 thousand deer in the mountain taiga zone and more than 65 thousand deer in the tundra zone. In this regard, the study of the peculiarities of the postpartum period course in domestic reindeer females, its morphophysiology, and behavioral reactions depending on the natural and climatic conditions of breeding is of great importance.

Radioisotope 7Be, 210Pb, 137Cs and 40K in the needles of larch and cedar in the Novy Urengoy region (Arctic part of Western Siberia)

Annual needles of larch and cedar were sampled in the tundra zone of the Arctic part of Western Siberia in order to determine 7Be, 210Pb, 137Cs and 40K specific activities. Higher concentrations of 137Cs and 40K in the needles of cedar relative to the needles of larch can be associated with a clear difference in the properties of accumulation and translocation of cesium and potassium among these species. Higher concentrations of 7Be and 210Pb in the needles of larch relative to cedar needles and close isotopic ratios (7Be/210Pb) are probably due to more efficient aerosol deposition on vegetative canopies of larch.

Reindeer use of low Arctic tundra correlates with landscape structure

Rapid climate change in Arctic regions is linked to the expansion of woody taxa (shrubification), and an increase in biomass as tundra becomes greener. Reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are considered able to suppress vegetative greening through grazing and trampling. Quantifying reindeer use of different land cover types can help us understand their impact on the growth and recruitment of deciduous shrubs, many of which serve as fodder (e.g. Salix spp.), in favourable habitats, such as naturally denuded landslides in permafrost areas. Understanding the spatial distribution of reindeer pressure on vegetation is important to project future patterns of greening, albedo, snow capture, active layer development, and the overall resilience of tundra rangelands under ongoing climate change. Here we quantify reindeer habitat use within the low Arctic tundra zone of Yamal, West Siberia estimated from pellet-group counts, and also how active layer thickness (ALT) relates to reindeer use. Our results confirm intensive use by reindeer of terrain with high June-July time integrated normalised difference vegetation index, steeper slopes, ridges, upper slopes and valleys, and a preference for low erect shrub tundra. These sites also seem to have a shallower ALT compared to sites less used by reindeer, although we did not find any direct relationship between ALT and reindeer use. Low use of tall Salix habitats indicated that reindeer are unlikely to suppress the growth of already tall-erect woody taxa, while they exert maximum pressure in areas where shrubs are already low in stature, e.g. ridgetops. Reindeer ability to suppress the regrowth and expansion of woody taxa in landslide areas (i.e. concavities) seems limited, as these types were less used. Our results suggest that reindeer use of the landscape and hence their effects on the landscape correlates with the landscape structure. Future research is needed to evaluate the role and efficiency of reindeer as ecosystem engineers capable of mediating the effects of climate change.

Pedogenesis in the Tundra Zone of Coastal Lowlands of Northeastern Siberia

Coastal lowlands of northeastern Siberia are composed of the Pleistocene ice-rich organic-containing loamy sediments of the Ice Complex (yedoma) and products of their transformation in the Holocene. In the tundra zone, three major trends of modern pedogenesis depending on the geomorphic position and age of particular landforms have been identified. On the interfluves affected by thermokarst processes in the Holocene, somewhat elevated remains of the Late Pleistocene Ice Complex alternate with vast thermokarst depressions (alases) with lakes. Cryozems are developed in automorphic plain positions and on the upper parts of slopes. The profiles of these soils are strongly affected by cycles of frost boiling and cryoturbation; under their influence, specific suprapermafrost accumulative organomineral horizons are formed. Gleyzation predominates in the soils of the low- and middle-level Holocene terraces of alases. Peat accumulation is progressively developed in the bottoms of alas depressions.