Climate change and greenhouse gas emission in Arctic tundra: the role of vegetation change on CO2 and CH4 fluxes

arctic tundra, carbon dioxide, methane fluxes, vegetation change, climate change, plant ecology

- Description of project (250 words maximum)

The Arctic is warming faster than most other regions of the world. In recent years, increases in temperature and permafrost degradation in arctic tundra have led to changes in plant community structure, increasing abundance of shrubs and decreasing abundance of mosses. The impact that this plant community change has on the emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHG) is still unclear. This project will quantify the importance of vegetation change on GHG fluxes on arctic tundra in Alaska, by coupling measurements of plant community composition to fluxes of CO2 and methane (CH4). The measurements will be performed in three sites (Barrow, Aquasuk, and Ivotuk) across a latitudinal gradient of about 400 Km from the Barrow (in the northern most point in the USA before the north pole, so called the “top of the world”), to the foothill of the Brooks Range, in central Alaska.
The project would suit a highly motivated and independent student with interests in climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and plant ecology. The candidate should also have enthusiasm for working in the Arctic, including 3 to 4 months field work during summer months. All travel, accommodation and food costs for field work will be covered.
Informal enquiries should be made to Donatella Zone, email: D.Zona@sheffield.ac.uk

The closing date is 15 January 2013