New research suggests that an increase in arctic temperatures as a result of global warming could result in significantly higher levels of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. This, in turn, could fuel global warming even more. Anticipated global warming may increase this carbon loss. The study appears in a recent issue of the journal Arctic and Alpine Research. Researchers have found that arctic carbon loss from respiration of CO2 by plants and soil micro-organisms far surpasses the amount taken in by plants each growing season.
Carbon dioxide is a major player in global warming.
He and his colleagues measured CO2 emissions from moist and dry tundra surrounding Toolik Lake, Alaska. Researchers believe carbon dioxide loss may be different in moist and dry tundra areas. They manipulated winter precipitation in each area by setting up a large snow fence on each tundra type. These fences provided increased snow accumulation and also helped simulate potential changes in environment and climate. If the snow takes longer to melt, that shortens the growing season, and that may influence how much carbon dioxide is released.