ID 151 : Present day processes, Past changes, and Spatiotemporal variability of biotic, abiotic and socio-environmental conditions and resource components along and across the Arctic delimitation zone. (PPS Arctic)

Leader:
Annika Hofgaard - Norwegian Institute for Nature Research - Norway

Summary:
PPS Arctic investigates the causes and consequences of changes in the circumarctic treeline zone, using fieldwork and remote sensing to study and model temporal and spatial aspects of ecological, social and cultural factors. Changes in the zone affect Arctic ecosystem processes, resource availability and the entire Arctic climate through changes in tree and shrub cover and in albedo, with global consequences.

Period:
Winter 2005 – steering board meetings, science plan, delivery schedule
2005-2006 – funding proposals by individual projects, modules, and the joint cluster
2006-2009 – field work, data analyses, publication of individual results
2007-2009 – information packages and workshops for the public, the scientific community, students and media 2008-2010 – joint coordinated publications at module and main cluster level

Funding
- ARC (Communauté Française de Belgique)
- FNRS-FRFC (Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique)

List of Belgian Partners involved
Rik Van Bogaert, Ghent University (PhD-student of Flanders Research Foundation: FWO)

Description of the Belgian Contribution :
The Belgian study “Recent treeline dynamics in Northern Sweden – a multi-disciplinary landscape assessment” is a PhD-project funded by FWO (Flanders Research Foundation) by Rik Van Bogaert, Ghent University.

Objectives
The study aims the detection and clarification of recent treeline shifts in a model area in northernmost Sweden. A holistic geographical approach is handled to assess the processes operational at this highly climate-sensitive vegetation boundary. The project focuses on the dynamics within the last century.

Expected results
The results will be incorporated in a GIS and will give a view on recent treeline dynamics in northernmost Europe on a high-resolution scale. The model area has a high potential since it covers an extensive range of different environments representative for a vast part of the circumarctic. Additionally, a cautious future prospect of the treeline will be projected.

Added value within the core project
This Belgian contribution forms the missing link regarding the landscape scale & regarding the Swedish area in the circumarctic treeline research within the IPY. Moreover, this study covers a larger time-frame than the other studies involved: an aspect which is very important in gradual long-term processes as tree-growth.

Related Campaigns:
This study is closely linked to the IPY-projects ENVISNAR (ID 213) & Back To The Future (ID 214) in which the same author is involved.

Links:
- www.geoweb.ugent.be/research/phys.asp
- “Recent treeline dynamics in Northern Sweden” a landscape assessment: Poster and PowerPoint