Biocomplexity Library

Journal Articles

Biocomplexity of Arctic Tundra Ecosystems - AGU Journal of Geophysical Research Special Collection
Citation:	Link to PDF
Walker, D. A., H. E. Epstein, and J. M. Welker (2008), Introduction to special section on Biocomplexity of Arctic Tundra Ecosystems, J. Geophys. Res., 113, G03S00, doi:10.1029/2008JG000740	224 KB
Daanen, R. P., D. Misra, H. Epstein, D. Walker, and V. Romanovsky (2008), Simulating nonsorted circle development in arctic tundra ecosystems, J. Geophys. Res., 113, G03S06, doi:10.1029/2008JG000682	860 KB
Epstein, H. E., D. A. Walker, M. K. Raynolds, G. J. Jia, and A. M. Kelley (2008), Phytomass patterns across a temperature gradient of the North American arctic tundra, J. Geophys. Res., 113, G03S02, doi:10.1029/2007JG000555	760 KB
Michaelson, G.J., C.L. Ping, H. Epstein, J.M Kimble, and D.A. Walker (2008), Soils and frost boil ecosystems across the North American Arctic Transect, J. Geophys. Res., 113, G03S11, doi:10.1029/2007JG000672.	978 KB
Nicolsky, D. J., V. E. Romanovsky, G. S. Tipenko, and D. A. Walker (2008), Modeling biogeophysical interactions in nonsorted circles in the Low Arctic, J. Geophys. Res., 113, G03S05, doi:10.1029/2007JG000565	1.5 MB
Peterson, R. A., and W. B. Krantz (2008), Differential frost heave model for patterned ground formation: Corroboration with observations along a North American arctic transect, J. Geophys. Res., 113, G03S04, doi:10.1029/2007JG000559	988 KB
Ping, C.L., G.J. Michaelson, J.M Kimble, V.E. Romanovsky, Y.L. Shur, D.K. Swanson, and D.A. Walker (2008), Cryogenesis and soil formation along a bioclimate gradient in Arctic North America, J. Geophys. Res., 113, G03S12, doi:10.1029/2008JG000744.	377 KB
Raynolds, M. K., D. A. Walker, C. A. Munger, C. M. Vonlanthen, and A. N. Kade (2008), A map analysis of patterned-ground along a North American Arctic Transect, J. Geophys. Res., 113, G03S03, doi:10.1029/2007JG000512	880 KB
Walker, D. A., H. E. Epstein, V. E. Romanovsky, C. L. Ping, G. J. Michaelson, R. P. Daanen, Y. Shur, R. A. Peterson, W. B. Krantz, M. K. Raynolds, W. A. Gould, G. Gonzalez, D. J. Nicolsky, C. M. Vonlanthen, A. N. Kade, P. Kuss, A. M. Kelley, C. A. Munger, C. T. Tarnocai, N. V. Matveyeva, and F. J. A. Daniëls (2008), Arctic patterned-ground ecosystems: A synthesis of field studies and models along a North American Arctic Transect, J. Geophys. Res., 113, G03S01, doi:10.1029/2007JG000504	1.8 MB

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Reports

Final Reports

	Biocomplexity associated with biogeochemical cycles in arctic frost-boil ecosystems
	Walker DA. 2007. (biocomp2008final_report.pdf)
	Our project studied small patterned-ground ecosystems along the arctic bioclimate gradient in North America. These features are unique to permafrost regions and are a significant component of nearly all arctic landscapes. Prior to this study, these features have been studied by geomorphologists but their role in ecosystems has been largely unstudied. These systems are of particular interest because: (1) Some processes involved in the formation of patterned-ground landscapes are not well understood; (2) the role of cryogenic processes with respect to biogeochemical cycling, carbon sequestration and a whole host of ecosystem processes is poorly known; and (3) they are an ideal natural system to study the response of disturbed and undisturbed tundra to differences in climate. Recently, these features have been linked to a wide variety of ecosystem properties including sequestration of carbon in the permafrost, the flux of energy, water, and nutrients to land surface, watersheds and the atmosphere (Bockheim et al, 1998; Nelson et al, 1998; Walker et al, 1998) and even the forage quality for wildlife (Walker et al, 2001). The project is focusing on how climate influences the interactions between vegetation, soils, and patterned ground formation in order to better understand how climate change might affect these systems. We are focusing on soil biogeochemical processes, hydrothermal processes, and vegetation patterns.

Data Reports

	Snow on the Alaska North Slope Grids, April 2003
	Walker DA, Raynolds MK and Martin CR. 2003. (snow2003_dr0310.pdf, 1.0 mb)
	Metadata: snow2003_dr0310.txt Summary: This data report is a summary of snow-survey information collected during a trip to the Arctic Slope April 9-14, 2003. The data were all collected as part of the Biocomplexity of Frost-Boil Ecosystems study. Snow is an important factor affecting soil-surface temperatures during the winter. These data will be used to help model the influence of snow on frost heave.
	Biocomplexity of Frost-boil Ecosystetms, July 2003
	Banks Island Expedition: Vegetation, Biomass, NDVI, Soil, Thaw Layer, Invertebrates, Decomposition, Biogeochemistry, and Turf-hummock Studies. Munger CA, Raynolds MK and Walker DA. 2004.
	Available as high resolution (5.7 mb) and low resolution (1.7 mb) PDF documents.
	Metadata: greencabin2003_dr0405.txt Summary: This data report summarizes information collected during July 2003 near Green Cabin, northern Banks Island, Canada as part of the NSF-sponsored "Biocomplexity of Frostboil Ecosystems" project (grant #OPP-0120736). It also includes information about a halfday visit to Mould Bay on Prince Patrick Island (2 July 2003).
	Banks Island July 2003 Field Report
	Raynolds MK and Walker DA. 2003. (greencabin2003_fr0309.pdf, 1.7 mb)
	Metadata: greencabin2003_fr0309.txt Summary: A group of 19 researchers and students from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and other U.S. and Canadian organizations gathered at Green Cabin, northern Banks Island in July 2003. We were interested in the interactions between the frost-boil heave processes, the soil, and the vegetation; and how complex interactions between these elements vary along the Arctic bioclimate gradient. A major goal of the project is to develop models that can help explain how frost heave patterns, soils and vegetation will respond to climate change.
	Addendum to the 2003 Green Cabin, Banks Island Data Report. Raynolds MK. 2005. (greencabin2003_dr0502ad.pdf, 1.3 mb)
	Metadata: greencabin2003_dr0502ad.txt
	Biocomplexity of frost-boil ecosystems snow data report, Alaska North Slope, April 2004
	Raynolds MK, Walker DA and Martin CR. 2004. (snow2004_dr0412.pdf)
	Metadata: snow2004_dr0412.txt Summary: This data report is a summary of snow-survey information collected during a trip to the Arctic Slope April 12-15, 2004. The data were all collected as part of the Biocomplexity of Frost-Boil Ecosystems study (Walker et al. 2004). Snow is an important factor affecting soil-surface temperatures during the winter. These data will be used to help model the influence of snow on frost heave.
	Biocomplexity of Patterned Ground: Mould Bay Expedition, July 2004
	Munger C, Raynolds MK, Kade A and Walker DA. 2005. (mouldbay2004_dr0503.pdf, 3.2 mb)
	Metadata: mouldbay2004_dr0503.txt Summary: A team of 24 people from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and other organizations worked at Inuvik, NWT and Mould Bay, Prince Patrick Island, NWT during the period 12-27 July 2004, as part of the "Biocomplexity associated with biogeochemical cycles in arctic frost-boil ecosystems” project. This year’s work was the third in a 5-year project. The main objective of the research is to investigate the properties of small-patterned- ground ecosystems along a climate gradient from the coldest parts of the Arctic to the northern boreal forest. We are studying earth hummocks, non-sorted circles, small non-sorted polygons, and turf hummocks – how they form, how they vary with climate and substrate, and their role in total ecosystem functions.
	Biocomplexity of Patterned Ground Data Report, Dalton Highway, 2001-2005
	Barreda JE, Knudson J, Walker DA, Raynolds MK, Kade A and Munger C. 2006. (dalton2001-05_dr0603.pdf, 13.9 mb)
	Metadata: dalton2001-05_dr0603.txt Summary: The Biocomplexity project studies small patterned-ground ecosystems along the Arctic bioclimate gradient in North America. Various types of patterned-ground formations are found in the Arctic. These are a significant components of nearly all Arctic landscapes. Although these features have been studied by geomorphologists, their role in ecosystems has been largely unstudied. The project focuses on how climate influences the interactions between vegetation, soils, and patterned ground formation in order to better understand how climate change might affect these systems.
	Data Report Biocomplexity of Patterned Ground. Isachsen Expedition, July 2005
	Corinne Vonlanthen, Martha K. Raynolds, Corinne Munger, Anja Kade, Donald A. Walker. 2006. (isachsen2005_dr0603.pdf, 7.5 mb). Alaska Geobotany Center Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks Alaska 99775. 86 pp.
	Metadata: isachsen2005_dr0603.txt Summary: A team of 25 people from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and other organizations worked at Isachsen, Ellef Ringnes Island during July 2005, as part of the “Biocomplexity associated with biogeochemical cycles in arctic frost-boil ecosystems” project. The main objective of the research is to investigate the properties of small- patterned-ground ecosystems along a climate gradient from the coldest parts of the Arctic to the northern boreal forest. We are studying earth hummocks, non-sorted circles, small non-sorted polygons, and turf hummocks – how they form, how they vary with climate and substrate, and their role in total ecosystem functions.

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Field Reports

	Turf Hummocks along the Arctic Bioclimate Gradient: their Characteristics and Development, Summary of the July 2003 Field Activities
	Charles Tarnocai
	Turf hummocks are small, 11-20 cm high, 18-50 cm diameter mounds. They commonly occur on gently to steeply sloping Arctic terrain.
	Field Report for Walker ATLAS and Biocomplexity Projects - 2002
	D.A. Walker
	The Biocomplexity group met together for the first time in the field. The goals of the meeting were: (1) Review and reevaluate the project goals, (2) visit all of the sites that were established in 2000 and 2001 along the Dalton Highway, (3) review the progress to date, (4) help the two graduate students, Anja Kade and Alexia Kelley, get their project started, (5) interact with the undergraduate field ecology course of Bill Gould. A summary of the agenda provides the highlights of the meeting. Field Report for Walker ATLAS and Biocomplexity Projects (PDF, 4 Mb) Field Report for Walker ATLAS and Biocomplexity Projects (PDF, 1 Mb)
	Biocomplexity Western Canadian Transect Reconnaisance
	W. Gould
	Our goals were to (1) locate suitable sites in bioclimate subzones A, B, and C of the CAFF and CAVM subdivisions of the Arctic, (2) establish future grids for the cryoturbation study, to determine the feasibility of logistic support at these sites, and (3) make contacts in Canada to assist with logistics, to facilitate licensing and permits, and to collaborate on research at the sites. Our site selection criteria included location within the appropriate subzone, location relatively near sea level, fine grained mesic, circumneutral soils, twin otter accessibility, and potential for collaboration with additional US and Canadian scientists. Biocomplexity Western Canadian Transect Reconnaisance (PDF, 2.8 Mb) Biocomplexity Western Canadian Transect Reconnaisance (PDF, 1.1 Mb)
	Integrating Research and Education: Biocomplexity associated with biogeochemical cycles in arctic frost-boil ecosystems
	W. Gould
	Five undergraduate and one graduate student from the University of Minnesota were enrolled in Arctic Field Ecology this summer. The course was taught by Bill Gould (vegetation ecologist) and Grizelle Gonzalez (soil ecosystem ecologist), with teaching and logistic assistance from UAF graduate student Andrew Borner and University of Colorado graduate student Lee Turner. The course included travel by road along the Dalton highway, by kayak along the Sagavanirktok River, a visit to the town of Nuiqsut on the Colville River Delta, and a visit to the Toolik Lake LTER site. Course activities took place at treeline on the south side of the Brooks Range, Atigun pass, Galbraith Lake, Toolik Lake, five of the six cryoturbation grid sites (Happy Valley, Sagwon Hills acidic and nonacidic tundra, Franklin Bluffs, and Deadhorse), the mouth of the Sagavanirktok River, and Nuiqsut.

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Posters

	Differences in Vegetation and Thaw Depths of Frost Boils and Inter-boils of Acidic and Non-acidic Tundra
	E.E. Cushing, D.A. Walker, A.N. Kade, A.M. Kelley
	Introduction Frost boils are small patterned ground formations created by the formation of ice lenses and frost heave. A contrast can be seen between frost boils and inter-boil areas. Disturbance created by cryoturbation results in less vegetation on frost boils as compared to inter-boils. Well developed frost boils are sparsely vegetated by mosses and lichens. Prostrate dwarf shrubs, sedges and an overall greater amount of biomass characterize inter-boils. Differences are also observed in boil and inter-boil areas on different parent material. The purpose of this project was to study the differences in vegetative characteristics (biomass, leaf area index and normalized difference vegetation index) and thaw depth between 1) Frost-boil and inter-boil areas and 2) moist acidic and moist non-acidic tundra. The insulative properties of a heavy biomass layer (especially from moss) can affect seasonal thawing. The central hypothesis of this project was that vegetative differences between boil and inter-boil areas and between acidic and non-acidic tundra are the primary controlling factors on active layer thickness (thaw depth). Secondly, we hypothesized that a smaller amount of biomass would result in greater summer thawing.
	Vegetation and Cryoturbation Interactions in Alaskan Arctic Tundra
	A. Kade, D.A. Walker
	Introduction The vegetation pattern in arctic tundra is strongly influenced by the distribution of frost boils, small landforms typical of many permafrost regions. Frost heave, caused by ice-lens formation, controls self-organization processes and results in frost boils, which are patterned, circular ground features. Once frost boils have formed, they are self-perpetuating in nature. They display tight linkages among vegetation, soil and cryoturbation. In theory, ice-lens formation and the degee of frost heave determine the type of vegetation and quantity of plant biomass that a frost boil can support. Fewer frost heave disturbances should favor a thicker vegetation mat. In turn the vegetation mat covering the frost boil should insulate and shade the soil, decreasing heat flux between the soil surface and air, thus decreasing the amount of frost heave.

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Talks

Select image to view presentation
	Biocomplexity of Arctic Patterned Ground: A tale of cracking, heaving, and smothering!
	D.A. Walker
	2008 Dynamics of Complex Systems: Common Threads Workshop, Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks, 6 Aug 2008
	Interactions of multiple factors for patterned-ground features across the Arctic bioclimate gradient
	D.A. Walker, H.E. Epstein, P. Kuss, G. Michaelson, C.L. Ping, M.K. Raynolds, V.E. Romanovsky, C. Tarnocai
	Draft of the Circumpolar Arctic Vegetation Map
	D.A. Walker, M.K. Raynolds, H.A. Maier, D.F. Murray, C.J. Markon, S.S. Talbot, W.A. Gould, L.C. Bliss, S.A. Edlund, S.C. Zoltai, F.J.A. Daniels, M. Wilhelm, C. Bay, E. Einarsson, G. Gundjonsson, N.G. Moskalenko, G.V. Ananjeva, D.S. Drozdov, L.A. Konchenko, Y.V. Korostelev, E. Melnikov, O.E. Ponomareva, A.E. Katenin, S.S. Kholod, N.V. Matveyeva, I.N. Safranova, R. Shelkunova, B.A. Yurtsev, A.N. Polezhaev, A. Elvebakk, B.E. Johansen, N.G. Trahan, T.M. Charron
	Biocomplexity of Frost-boil Ecosystems
	D.A. Walker, H.E. Epstein, W.A. Gould, W.B. Krantz, G. Tipenko, C.L. Ping, V. Romanovsky, M.D. Walker

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Field Season 2003 Talks

	Geology and soils
	Charles Tarnocai
	PDF
	Banks Island Photos
	Charles Tarnocai
	PDF
	Permafrost, Active Layer, Soil Temperature and Moisture, Frost Heave and other Things
	Vladimir Romanovsky
	PDF
	Morphogenesis of Soils Associated with Frost Boils
	C.L. Ping, G.J. Michaelson, J. M. Kimble, Y. L. Shur, D. A. Walker
	PDF
	Biogeochemistry of Soils Associated with Cryptogamic Crusts on Frost Boils
	G.J. Michaelson, C.L. Ping and D.A. Walker
	PDF
	Geophysical Self-Organization as an Indicator of Global Climate Change
	William B. Krantz
	PDF
	Plant Community and Nitrogen Cycling in Arctic Frost-Boil Ecosystems
	Alexia Kelley and Howie Epstein
	PDF
	Experimental Alteration of Plant Canopy and the Effects on Cryoturbation Regime
	Anja Kade, Donald Walker
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	Biocomplexity of Frost boil Ecosystems: Educational Component
	Giselle Gonzales
	PDF
	Dynamics of Vegetation and Soils in Arctic Tundra Ecosystems
	Howard Epstein, Monika Calef, Gensuo Jiong Jia, F.S. (Terry) Chapin, Donald (Skip) Walker, Marilyn Walker, and Anthony Starfield
	PDF

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