Patterns in vegetation composition, surface height and thaw depth in polygon mires in the Yakutian Arctic (NE Siberia): a microtopographical characterisation of the active layer

Minke, Merten; Donner, Norman; Karpov, Nikolay S.; Klerk, Pim de; Joosten, Hans

doi:10.1002/ppp.663

Cited by 56 publications

(72 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…During the last decade studies have been conducted with a special focus on the carbon content (Zubrzycki et al, 2013), and on the net ecosystem CO 2 exchange, for example in low-centred polygons on Samoylov Island (Runkle et al, 2013). Other investigations have used polygon sediments to trace short-term changes in vegetation (De Klerk et al, 2011) and long-term changes in landscape dynamics (Minke et al, 2009;Zoltai andVitt, 1990, 1995). While previous studies have identified the general processes that lead to the formation of polygon mires, the polygon dynamics and associated driving factors remain only poorly understood.…”

Section: R Zibulski Et Al: River Flooding As a Driver Of Polygon Dymentioning

confidence: 99%

River flooding as a driver of polygon dynamics: modern vegetation data and a millennial peat record from the Anabar River lowlands (Arctic Siberia)

et al. 2013

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Abstract. The spatial and temporal variability of a low-centred polygon on the eastern floodplain area of the lower Anabar River (72.070° N, 113.921° E; northern Yakutia, Siberia) has been investigated using a multi-method approach. The present-day vegetation in each square metre was analysed, revealing a community of Larix, shrubby Betula, and Salix on the polygon rim, a dominance of Carex and Andromeda polifolia in the rim-to-pond transition zone, and a predominantly monospecific Scorpidium scorpioides coverage within the pond. The total organic carbon (TOC) content, TOC / TN (total nitrogen) ratio, grain size, vascular plant macrofossils, moss remains, diatoms, and pollen were analysed for two vertical sections and a sediment core from a transect across the polygon. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the formation of the polygon started at least 1500 yr ago; the general positions of the pond and rim have not changed since that time. Two types of pond vegetation were identified, indicating two contrasting development stages of the polygon. The first was a well-established moss association, dominated by submerged or floating Scorpidium scorpioides and/or Drepanocladus spp. and overgrown by epiphytic diatoms such as Tabellaria flocculosa and Eunotia taxa. This stage coincides temporally with a period in which the polygon was only drained by lateral subsurface water flow, as indicated by mixed grain sizes. A different moss association occurred during times of repeated river flooding (indicated by homogeneous medium-grained sand that probably accumulated during the annual spring snowmelt), characterized by an abundance of Meesia triquetra and a dominance of benthic diatoms (e.g. Navicula vulpina), indicative of a relatively high pH and a high tolerance of disturbance. A comparison of the local polygon vegetation (inferred from moss and macrofossil spectra) with the regional vegetation (inferred from pollen spectra) indicated that the moss association with Scorpidium scorpioides became established during relatively favourable climatic conditions, while the association dominated by Meesia triquetra occurred during periods of harsh climatic conditions. Our study revealed a strong riverine influence (in addition to climatic influences) on polygon development and the type of peat accumulated.

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Section: R Zibulski Et Al: River Flooding As a Driver Of Polygon Dymentioning

confidence: 99%

River flooding as a driver of polygon dynamics: modern vegetation data and a millennial peat record from the Anabar River lowlands (Arctic Siberia)

et al. 2013

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“…Similarly, polygonal tundra and soils similar to those investigated in the eastern part of Samoylov Island can be expected to form on other Arctic river terraces that are no longer flooded on a regular basis. However, at polygonal tundra sites in which fluvial and aeolian sedimentation processes are less active than in the Lena River Delta, the soils often show greater autochthonous accumulations of organic matter (e.g., Minke et al, 2007Minke et al, , 2009). The Soil Organic Carbon Content (SOCC) was 28 kg m −2 for the upper 100 cm and 73 kg m −2 for the upper 300 cm of one core on Samoylov Island, which is comparable to the average SOCC figure for turbel soils (turbel soils contain on average 32.2 kg m −2 in first the 100 cm, with a range from 1 to 126 kg m −2 , Tarnocai et al, 2009).…”

Section: Land Cover Classification and Soilsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While Carex concolor is very tolerant with respect to water supply and has a high presence both in wet polygon depressions (97 %) and on dry polygon ridges (90 %), with coverage levels of 12 % and 4.4 %, respectively, the previously mentioned moss species (Tomentypnum nitens, Aulacomnium palustre, and Aulacomnium turgidum) prefer intermediate moisture conditions such as those found on hummocks in depressed polygon centres, or on the lower parts of ridge slopes. Minke et al (2009) The fourth vegetation community on Samoylov consists almost entirely of Arctophila fulva, growing in water in the shallow parts of the lakes.…”

Section: Vegetationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Baseline characteristics of climate, permafrost and land cover from a new permafrost observatory in the Lena River Delta, Siberia (1998–2011)

et al. 2013

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Abstract. Samoylov Island is centrally located within the Lena River Delta at 72° N, 126° E and lies within the Siberian zone of continuous permafrost. The landscape on Samoylov Island consists mainly of late Holocene river terraces with polygonal tundra, ponds and lakes, and an active floodplain. The island has been the focus of numerous multidisciplinary studies since 1993, which have focused on climate, land cover, ecology, hydrology, permafrost and limnology. This paper aims to provide a framework for future studies by describing the characteristics of the island's meteorological parameters (temperature, radiation and snow cover), soil temperature, and soil moisture. The land surface characteristics have been described using high resolution aerial images in combination with data from ground-based observations. Of note is that deeper permafrost temperatures have increased between 0.3 to 1.3 °C over the last five years. However, no clear warming of air and active layer temperatures is detected since 1998, though winter air temperatures during recent years have not been as cold as in earlier years. Data related to this article are archived under: http://doi. pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.806233 .

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“…1d). The method of surveying ice-wedge polygons in high spatial resolution was adapted from de Klerk et al (2009) and Minke et al (2009). Transects of 1)1 m plots were laid through Herschel, Komakuk and Roland polygons (Fig.…”

Section: Fieldworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vegetation composition and shrub extent on the Yukon coast, Canada, are strongly linked to ice-wedge polygon degradation

et al. 2016

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Patterns in vegetation composition, surface height and thaw depth in polygon mires in the Yakutian Arctic (NE Siberia): a microtopographical characterisation of the active layer

Cited by 56 publications

References 22 publications

River flooding as a driver of polygon dynamics: modern vegetation data and a millennial peat record from the Anabar River lowlands (Arctic Siberia)

River flooding as a driver of polygon dynamics: modern vegetation data and a millennial peat record from the Anabar River lowlands (Arctic Siberia)

Baseline characteristics of climate, permafrost and land cover from a new permafrost observatory in the Lena River Delta, Siberia (1998–2011)

Vegetation composition and shrub extent on the Yukon coast, Canada, are strongly linked to ice-wedge polygon degradation

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