Understanding the climate impacts on decadal vegetation change in northern Alaska

The Arctic is experiencing rapid climate change. This research documents changes to tundra vegetation near Atqasuk and Utqiaġvik, Alaska. At each location, 30 plots were sampled annually from 2010 2019 using a point frame. For every encounter, we recorded the height classified it into eight groupings (deciduous shrubs, evergreen forbs, graminoids, bryophytes, lichens, litter, standing dead vegetation); for vascular plants also identified species. We found an increase in plant stature cover over time, consistent with regional warming. Graminoid increased at both sites, 5-fold Atqasuk. Atqasuk, of shrubs forbs increased. Species diversity decreased sites. Year was generally strongest predictor change, suggesting cumulative change time; however, soil moisture temperature predictors anticipate that region will continue grow taller as warms, resulting greater cover, especially graminoids shrubs. accumulation litter may negatively impact non-vascular plants. Continued community structure energy balance carbon cycling have global consequences.