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Vegetation Phenology - Habitat Dynamics Active

By Alaska Science Center March 1, 2018

Vegetation Phenology

Return to Ecosystems >> Marine Ecosystems or Terrestrial Ecosystems >> Habitat Dynamics

Animation shows the change from year to year of vegetation, snow cover and sea ice.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
Vegetation greenness, snow cover, and sea ice distribution in early June varies widely across the Arctic, and between years.  In the high northern latitudes, snow melt and vegetation green-up typically occur in late May and early June, however, as illustrated in the animation, spring sometimes arrives much earlier than average, and sometimes much later.  Sea ice extent during early June is also shown with color-shades to indicate when the surface began to melt: white=still frozen, cyan=melt beginning, and lavender=melt started prior to June 1.(Credit: David Douglas, USGS. Public domain.)

Annual variations in the timing of snow melt and green-up influence the availability and quality of habitats for wildlife, especially grazing animals such as caribou and geese that are critically invested in reproduction during June.  Concerns arise about the potential for climate warming to cause ecological mismatches if animals are unable to adjust their migration and reproductive schedules to keep pace with changes in the peak availability of food resources.  These and related topics of research are part of the USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative.

Atmospheric circulation patterns strongly influence the timing of snow melt and vegetation green-up
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
Atmospheric circulation patterns strongly influence the timing of snow melt and vegetation green-up.  At Barrow/Utqiaġvik, Alaska, years with late snow melt are associated with a blocking high-pressure system over the Arctic basin and low-pressure over the eastern Bering Sea which tends to block the flow (transport) of warm southerly air into the higher latitudes (left panel, below).  In contrast, years with early snow melt are associated with a low-pressure system over the western Bering Sea and a high-pressure ridge over eastern Alaska which tends to facilitate the northerly transport (flow) of warm southerly air (right panel). Source of this figure is: Stone, R. S., D. C. Douglas, G. I. Belchansky, and S. D. Drobot. 2005. Polar Climate: Arctic sea ice. Pages 39-41 in D. H. Levinson, (ed.). State of the Climate in 2004. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society 86(6), 86 p. doi:10.1175/1520-0477-86.6s.1(Public domain.)

Key Findings

The timing of vegetation green-up in the Arctic, coupled with the timing of reproduction, is correlated with the survival of caribou calves and goose goslings.

Brook, R. W., J. O. Leafloor, K. F. Abraham, and D. C. Douglas. 2015. Density dependence and phenological mismatch: consequences for growth and survival of sub-arctic nesting Canada Geese. Avian Conservation and Ecology 10(1):1. doi:10.5751/ACE-00708-100101

Stone, R. S., D. C. Douglas, G. I. Belchansky, and S. D. Drobot. 2005a. Polar Climate: Arctic sea ice. Pages 39-41 in D. H. Levinson, (ed.). State of the Climate in 2004. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society [Full Publication]

Stone, R. S., D. C. Douglas, G. I. Belchansky, and S. D. Drobot. 2005b. Correlated declines in Pacific arctic snow and sea ice cover. Arctic Research of the United States 19(1):18-25. [Full Publication]

Griffith, B., D. C. Douglas, N. E. Walsh, D. D. Young, Jr., T. R. McCabe, D. E. Russell, R. G. White, R. D. Cameron, and K. R. Whitten. 2002. The Porcupine caribou herd. Pages 8-37 in D. C. Douglas, P. E. Reynolds, and E. B. Rhode, (eds.). Arctic Refuge coastal plain terrestrial wildlife research summaries. USGS Biological Science Report USGS/BRD/BSR-2002-0001 [Full Publication]

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

link
A Bar-tailed Godwit with a Z0 tag on it's leg and a satellite transmitter antenna emerging from rear feathers

Habitat Dynamics

The Habitat Dynamics Project examines how short and long-term changes in the environment affect the distribution and survival of wildlife populations.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Habitat Dynamics

The Habitat Dynamics Project examines how short and long-term changes in the environment affect the distribution and survival of wildlife populations.
Learn More
link
Ice bergs in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska

Wind - Habitat Dynamics

Several species of shorebird that nest in the Arctic make remarkable non-stop trans-oceanic migrations to non-breeding areas in the southern hemisphere. Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have discovered many fascinating and previously unknown details about these long-distance migrations by instrumenting individual birds with Argos satellite transmitters (see ASC Shorebird Research web...
By
Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Wind - Habitat Dynamics

Several species of shorebird that nest in the Arctic make remarkable non-stop trans-oceanic migrations to non-breeding areas in the southern hemisphere. Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have discovered many fascinating and previously unknown details about these long-distance migrations by instrumenting individual birds with Argos satellite transmitters (see ASC Shorebird Research web...
Learn More
link
Open water, sea ice, and pressure ridges in the Beaufort Sea

Sea Ice - Habitat Dynamics

Sea Ice Present, Future and Ice Loss and Wildlife
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
link

Sea Ice - Habitat Dynamics

Sea Ice Present, Future and Ice Loss and Wildlife
Learn More

Below are publications associated with this project.

Density dependence and phenological mismatch: consequences for growth and survival of sub-arctic nesting Canada Geese

The extent to which species are plastic in the timing of their reproductive events relative to phenology suggests how change might affect their demography. An ecological mismatch between the timing of hatch for avian species and the peak availability in quality and quantity of forage for rapidly growing offspring might ultimately affect recruitment to the breeding population unless individuals can
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Correlated declines in Pacific arctic snow and sea ice cover

Simulations of future climate suggest that global warming will reduce Arctic snow and ice cover, resulting in decreased surface albedo (reflectivity). Lowering of the surface albedo leads to further warming by increasing solar absorption at the surface. This phenomenon is referred to as “temperature–albedo feedback.” Anticipation of such a feedback is one reason why scientists look to the Arctic f
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Polar climate: Arctic sea ice

Recent decreases in snow and sea ice cover in the high northern latitudes are among the most notable indicators of climate change. Northern Hemisphere sea ice extent for the year as a whole was the third lowest on record dating back to 1973, behind 1995 (lowest) and 1990 (second lowest; Hadley Center–NCEP). September sea ice extent, which is at the end of the summer melt season and is typically th
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

The porcupine caribou herd

Documentation of the natural range of variation in ecological, life history, and physiological characteristics of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) of the Porcupine caribou herd is a necessary base for detecting or predicting any potential effects of industrial development on the performance (e.g., distribution, demography, weight-gain of individuals) of the herd. To demonstrate an effect of development
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center
  • Overview

    Vegetation Phenology

    Return to Ecosystems >> Marine Ecosystems or Terrestrial Ecosystems >> Habitat Dynamics

    Animation shows the change from year to year of vegetation, snow cover and sea ice.
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
    Vegetation greenness, snow cover, and sea ice distribution in early June varies widely across the Arctic, and between years.  In the high northern latitudes, snow melt and vegetation green-up typically occur in late May and early June, however, as illustrated in the animation, spring sometimes arrives much earlier than average, and sometimes much later.  Sea ice extent during early June is also shown with color-shades to indicate when the surface began to melt: white=still frozen, cyan=melt beginning, and lavender=melt started prior to June 1.(Credit: David Douglas, USGS. Public domain.)

    Annual variations in the timing of snow melt and green-up influence the availability and quality of habitats for wildlife, especially grazing animals such as caribou and geese that are critically invested in reproduction during June.  Concerns arise about the potential for climate warming to cause ecological mismatches if animals are unable to adjust their migration and reproductive schedules to keep pace with changes in the peak availability of food resources.  These and related topics of research are part of the USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative.

    Atmospheric circulation patterns strongly influence the timing of snow melt and vegetation green-up
    Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
    Atmospheric circulation patterns strongly influence the timing of snow melt and vegetation green-up.  At Barrow/Utqiaġvik, Alaska, years with late snow melt are associated with a blocking high-pressure system over the Arctic basin and low-pressure over the eastern Bering Sea which tends to block the flow (transport) of warm southerly air into the higher latitudes (left panel, below).  In contrast, years with early snow melt are associated with a low-pressure system over the western Bering Sea and a high-pressure ridge over eastern Alaska which tends to facilitate the northerly transport (flow) of warm southerly air (right panel). Source of this figure is: Stone, R. S., D. C. Douglas, G. I. Belchansky, and S. D. Drobot. 2005. Polar Climate: Arctic sea ice. Pages 39-41 in D. H. Levinson, (ed.). State of the Climate in 2004. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society 86(6), 86 p. doi:10.1175/1520-0477-86.6s.1(Public domain.)

    Key Findings

    The timing of vegetation green-up in the Arctic, coupled with the timing of reproduction, is correlated with the survival of caribou calves and goose goslings.

    Brook, R. W., J. O. Leafloor, K. F. Abraham, and D. C. Douglas. 2015. Density dependence and phenological mismatch: consequences for growth and survival of sub-arctic nesting Canada Geese. Avian Conservation and Ecology 10(1):1. doi:10.5751/ACE-00708-100101

    Stone, R. S., D. C. Douglas, G. I. Belchansky, and S. D. Drobot. 2005a. Polar Climate: Arctic sea ice. Pages 39-41 in D. H. Levinson, (ed.). State of the Climate in 2004. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society [Full Publication]

    Stone, R. S., D. C. Douglas, G. I. Belchansky, and S. D. Drobot. 2005b. Correlated declines in Pacific arctic snow and sea ice cover. Arctic Research of the United States 19(1):18-25. [Full Publication]

    Griffith, B., D. C. Douglas, N. E. Walsh, D. D. Young, Jr., T. R. McCabe, D. E. Russell, R. G. White, R. D. Cameron, and K. R. Whitten. 2002. The Porcupine caribou herd. Pages 8-37 in D. C. Douglas, P. E. Reynolds, and E. B. Rhode, (eds.). Arctic Refuge coastal plain terrestrial wildlife research summaries. USGS Biological Science Report USGS/BRD/BSR-2002-0001 [Full Publication]

  • Science

    Below are other science projects associated with this project.

    link
    A Bar-tailed Godwit with a Z0 tag on it's leg and a satellite transmitter antenna emerging from rear feathers

    Habitat Dynamics

    The Habitat Dynamics Project examines how short and long-term changes in the environment affect the distribution and survival of wildlife populations.
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
    link

    Habitat Dynamics

    The Habitat Dynamics Project examines how short and long-term changes in the environment affect the distribution and survival of wildlife populations.
    Learn More
    link
    Ice bergs in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska

    Wind - Habitat Dynamics

    Several species of shorebird that nest in the Arctic make remarkable non-stop trans-oceanic migrations to non-breeding areas in the southern hemisphere. Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have discovered many fascinating and previously unknown details about these long-distance migrations by instrumenting individual birds with Argos satellite transmitters (see ASC Shorebird Research web...
    By
    Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
    link

    Wind - Habitat Dynamics

    Several species of shorebird that nest in the Arctic make remarkable non-stop trans-oceanic migrations to non-breeding areas in the southern hemisphere. Scientists at the USGS Alaska Science Center have discovered many fascinating and previously unknown details about these long-distance migrations by instrumenting individual birds with Argos satellite transmitters (see ASC Shorebird Research web...
    Learn More
    link
    Open water, sea ice, and pressure ridges in the Beaufort Sea

    Sea Ice - Habitat Dynamics

    Sea Ice Present, Future and Ice Loss and Wildlife
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
    link

    Sea Ice - Habitat Dynamics

    Sea Ice Present, Future and Ice Loss and Wildlife
    Learn More
  • Publications

    Below are publications associated with this project.

    Density dependence and phenological mismatch: consequences for growth and survival of sub-arctic nesting Canada Geese

    The extent to which species are plastic in the timing of their reproductive events relative to phenology suggests how change might affect their demography. An ecological mismatch between the timing of hatch for avian species and the peak availability in quality and quantity of forage for rapidly growing offspring might ultimately affect recruitment to the breeding population unless individuals can
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

    Correlated declines in Pacific arctic snow and sea ice cover

    Simulations of future climate suggest that global warming will reduce Arctic snow and ice cover, resulting in decreased surface albedo (reflectivity). Lowering of the surface albedo leads to further warming by increasing solar absorption at the surface. This phenomenon is referred to as “temperature–albedo feedback.” Anticipation of such a feedback is one reason why scientists look to the Arctic f
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

    Polar climate: Arctic sea ice

    Recent decreases in snow and sea ice cover in the high northern latitudes are among the most notable indicators of climate change. Northern Hemisphere sea ice extent for the year as a whole was the third lowest on record dating back to 1973, behind 1995 (lowest) and 1990 (second lowest; Hadley Center–NCEP). September sea ice extent, which is at the end of the summer melt season and is typically th
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

    The porcupine caribou herd

    Documentation of the natural range of variation in ecological, life history, and physiological characteristics of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) of the Porcupine caribou herd is a necessary base for detecting or predicting any potential effects of industrial development on the performance (e.g., distribution, demography, weight-gain of individuals) of the herd. To demonstrate an effect of development
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center