Polygons in tundra wetlands: state and dynamics under climate variability in Polar Regions (POLYGON)

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Permafrost regions are strongly affected by ongoing global warming. The widely distributed Arctic patterned ground of polygonal wetlands underlain by permafrost is considered to be sensitive to environmental and climate changes. In a combined ecological and palaeo-ecological approach, modern, sub-recent and fossil ice-wedge polygons will be studied at three representative sites along a geographical gradient in the northeast Siberian lowlands in order to understand the temporal and spatial variations of polygon dynamics and their relation to climate change. In the proposed study design limnological, (palaeo-)ecological, pedological and cryological methods are tightly interconnected to assess modern and palaeo-environmental conditions and their main forcing parameters thoroughly. Terrestrial and aquatic species communities will be studied and cryogenic processes affecting polygonal landscape will be observed and evaluated. Results from the proposed project will allow predicting future environmental dynamics in permafrost regions. Extensive preparatory work including methodological tests, site visits and cooperation arrangements was performed by the applicants to ensure the feasibility of the project. The project will bring together German and Russian expertise in Arctic ecology and permafrost science complemented by international partners.