Publication Date
4-2020
First Advisor
Robert Hollister
Abstract
This research describes changes in plant cover in the landscapes near Atqasuk and Utqiagvik, Alaska. In each location 30 plots distributed in a matrix across the landscape were sampled annually from 2010 to 2019. Plant cover was classified into eight functional groups (deciduous shrubs, evergreen shrubs, forbs, graminoids, bryophytes, lichens, litter and standing dead). In Atqasuk, graminoids and litter have increased in cover while bryophytes, lichens and standing dead have decreased in cover. In Utqiagvik, graminoids and leaf litter have increased in cover while bryophytes and standing dead have decreased in cover. Graminoid cover increases at both sites appear to be driven by moisture inputs and air temperature. We anticipate changes in cover, especially increases in graminoids, will continue as the region warms.
ScholarWorks Citation
Harris, Jacob, "Annual Veg Change on the ARCSS Subplots at Atqasuk and Utqiagvik" (2020). Student Scholars Day Posters. 3.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ssd_posters/3
