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Permafrost thaw – decadal responses to climate change

Objetivo

Permafrost soils contain approximately 1672 Petagram carbon (C), twice the amount of the current atmosphere, and constitute 50% of the world’s belowground C pool. Along with the current change in climate these high latitudinal soils experience increased temperatures, more than any other region, with permafrost degradation as a result. Such thaw of permafrost releases ancient organic matter that has been stored in the frozen soils for centuries. Following microbial degradation, this organic matter can be released to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), further influencing the climate systems. Thus, a changed climate leads to server alterations of the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) balance in Arctic and high altitude ecosystems. However, research up to today has mostly focused on the impact of permafrost thaw and the time horizon immediately following this degradation.
The proposed project aims for understanding the future that lies ahead, following thaw and establishment of new non-permafrost ecosystems, and how the predicted climate variability will influence these soils on a decadal timescale. By using a natural occurring permafrost degradation transects, this project investigates how the C and N cycling changes following thaw. Moreover, by using laboratory incubation the project will provide unique insights of how these cycles will respond to the changing climate long after the formation of the ‘new’ ecosystems, giving a decadal perspective on permafrost thaw.

Régimen de financiación

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

Coordinador

GOETEBORGS UNIVERSITET
Aportación neta de la UEn
€ 185 857,20
Dirección
VASAPARKEN
405 30 Goeteborg
Suecia

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Región
Södra Sverige Västsverige Västra Götalands län
Tipo de actividad
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Enlaces
Coste total
€ 185 857,20