Alaskan Lakes
More than 10,000 Alaskan lakes have changed in size or disappeared between 1950 and 2002 according to a new study. The study finds that Alaska has experienced a warming climate with longer growing season. Also, increased thawing of permafrost, and greater water loss due to evaporation from open water and transpiration from vegetation; yet there has been no substantial change in precipitation.
The findings are based on aerial photographs and satellite imagery and conducted by researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks. They concluded that the reduction and disappearance of Arctic ponds is the result of climate change in Alaska. The findings may be "indicative of widespread lowering of the water table throughout low-lying landscapes in Interior Alaska" which could adversely affect the climate-regulating ability of wetlands by exposing carbon in the soil to "aerobic decomposition", resulting in the release of carbon dioxide. The researchers believe that the ecosystem changes could impact wildlife populations.
October 13, 2006 6:46 AM | Category: Global Warming