| In order to better understand
those variations, we examined plant productivity in Qarlikturvik
Valley in relation with climatic factors such as air temperature,s
number of days above 0°C, number of degree-days above 0°C,
precipitation, radiation and timing of snowmelt.
Our analysis revealed that
plant biomass in Qarlikturvik Valley is influenced by air temperature
and thawing degree-days in July, the month during which most
of the plant growth occurs. Indeed, biomass of all graminoids
(see
Wetlands)
and biomass of Eriophorum both increased with warmer
July temperatures. Similarly, the biomasses of all graminoids
and Eriophorum are greater in years with greater number
of July thawing degree-days. For other climatic factors, there
was no relationship found.
|
Introduction
Wetland Productivity
