The study, published in 'Nature Geoscience', utilized satellite data to examine how climate change has spurred the Antarctic Peninsula's "greening" process. The research shows vegetation, mainly moss, expanded from less than one square kilometer in 1986 to nearly 12 square kilometers by 2021.
The findings indicate that this trend has accelerated significantly, with the rate of expansion growing by over 30% between 2016 and 2021 compared to the overall study period (1986-2021). During this recent period, vegetation cover has increased by more than 400,000 square meters annually.
Earlier research focusing on moss-dominated ecosystems on the Antarctic Peninsula revealed dramatic increases in plant growth rates in recent decades. The new study confirms these findings, showing that the greening trend is widespread and intensifying.
Dr. Thomas Roland, from the University of Exeter, commented: "The plants we find on the Antarctic Peninsula - mostly mosses - grow in perhaps the harshest conditions on Earth. The landscape is still almost entirely dominated by snow, ice, and rock, with only a tiny fraction colonized by plant life. But that tiny fraction has grown dramatically - showing that even this vast and isolated 'wilderness' is being affected by anthropogenic climate change."
Dr. Olly Bartlett, from the University of Hertfordshire, added: "As these ecosystems become more established - and the climate continues to warm - it's likely that the extent of greening will increase. Soil in Antarctica is mostly poor or non-existent, but this increase in plant life will add organic matter, and facilitate soil formation - potentially paving the way for other plants to grow."
The researchers also raised concerns about the possibility of non-native and invasive species being introduced to the continent, possibly brought in by eco-tourists, scientists, or other visitors.
The team emphasized the need for more research to fully understand the environmental mechanisms behind this greening trend. "The sensitivity of the Antarctic Peninsula's vegetation to climate change is now clear, and under future anthropogenic warming, we could see fundamental changes to the biology and landscape of this iconic and vulnerable region," said Dr. Roland.
The researchers are currently investigating how deglaciated landscapes are being colonized by plants and what this might mean for the future of the region.
The paper is titled: "Satellites evidence sustained greening of the Antarctic Peninsula."
Research Report:Satellites evidence sustained greening of the Antarctic Peninsula
Related Links
University of Exeter
Beyond the Ice Age
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