Arctic plant roots influence climate change response in tundra ecosystems
Researchers from Umeå University and other institutions published a review in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment detailing how Arctic plant roots shape ecosystem responses to climate change.
Permafrost carbon storage levels
Arctic permafrost holds between 1,460 and 1,600 billion metric tons of organic carbon. This amount is roughly twice the quantity currently found in the atmosphere. As climate change thaws this frozen ground, some stored carbon releases into the air.
Roots determine carbon balance
The study argues that roots and soil environments are critical for determining if ecosystems act as carbon sources or sinks. Much attention previously focused on aboveground changes like shrub growth and Arctic greening. The authors state these underground processes may be just as important in shaping the future climate.
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