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Project properties |
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| Title | Climate, vegetation, permafrost interactions in Arctic tundra |
| Group | Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group |
| Project type | thesis |
| Credits | 24-39 |
| Supervisor(s) | Monique Heijmans and others, depending on topic |
| Examiner(s) | Dr. Ir. Monique Heijmans Dr. Runa Magnusson and Dr. Juul Limpens |
| Contact info | Monique.Heijmans@wur.nl, 0317-484167, www.wur.nl/en/Persons/dr.ir.-MMPD-Monique-Heijmans.htm |
| Begin date | 2017/11/01 |
| End date | 2024/12/31 |
| Description | Arctic tundra vegetation is changing rapidly and is related to climate warming. We found that low shrubs, e.g. Betula nana, are important for protecting the underlying frozen ground (permafrost) against thawing. Thus, shrub expansion might compensate for the thawing due to warming. However, at our field site in Siberian tundra we observe local drowning of Betula nana due to small-scale permafrost collapse, beside local shrub dominance. Questions we have include: how can Betula become so dominant? Does this dominance contribute to its collapse? What is the role of mosses, which can also be dominant but are understudied.
Thesis topics could include data analysis, field studies, ecosystem modelling or dendrochronology (with Ute Sass-Klaassen). Possibilities depend on availability of plant material, season, or planned field campaigns. The topic will be tailored towards your needs and interests. Collaborations with other groups are often possible. |
| Used skills | Data analysis, SPSS, ecosystem modelling (R.), literature review, field work, depending on topic. |
| Requirements | Depends on topic |