Impact variables for natural ecosystems are shown as variable values and change in value for three future time periods (2010 - 2039, 2040 - 2069, 2070 - 2099)
?Climate change impacts on natural ecosystems are estimated for the following variables:
The growing season starts when daily mean temperature first exceeds 5?C for at least 5 consecutive days in the spring and ends the day when the 10-day running mean falls below 5?C again in the autumn (Carter 1998).
Presence /absence of palsa mires
Palsa mires are northern mire complexes with permanently frozen peat hummocks, located at the outer limit of the permafrost zone. The potential future distribution has been estimated with statistical models (Fronzek et al. 2006).
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Palsa mire in Paistunturit area, Utsjoki, northern Finland, August 1999. Photo taken by M. R?nkk?, Univ. of Helsinki.?
Leaf litter decomposition
Litter decomposition is a process where soil organisms break down dead plant material to utilize it for their nutrition. The process results in formation of carbon dioxide which is released to the atmosphere and mineralized nutrients which can be used again for plant growth.
The litter decomposition estimates were modelled based on a global dataset. They are specific to the model used (Yasso07 - see www.environment.fi/syke/yasso; Tuomi et al.) and should be interpreted on relative basis only, e.g. where the value is equal to 2, litter decomposition in the model is twice as fast as where the value is 1.
References
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