Freezing of the active layer commences early October or late September. In general, air temperature represents the major control on active layer temperatures at Qeqertarsuaq. Other important controls are exercised by wind speed and snow-cover thickness. Similar animal communities responded differently to similar temperature manipulations on sites with different vegetation cover and composition. The population response of invertebrates to climate warming is greatest and most rapid at the coldest sites.
Habitat temperature is the driving variable determining the flight activity patterns of insects.
The common species of arctic soil mites and Collembola are well adapted to survive enhanced summer temperatures, providing that moisture is not limited. From these findings predictions are made as to how high arctic communities will respond to predicted changes in climate.