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1 December 2011 Effects of Changes in Arctic Lake and River Ice
Terry Prowse, Knut Alfredsen, Spyros Beltaos, Barrie R. Bonsal, William B. Bowden, Claude R. Duguay, Atte Korhola, Jim McNamara, Warwick F. Vincent, Valery Vuglinsky, Katey M. Walter Anthony, Gesa A. Weyhenmeyer
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Abstract

Climatic changes to freshwater ice in the Arctic are projected to produce a variety of effects on hydrologic, ecological, and socio-economic systems. Key hydrologic impacts include changes to low flows, lake evaporation regimes and water levels, and river-ice break-up severity and timing. The latter are of particular concern because of their effect on river geomorphology, vegetation, sediment and nutrient fluxes, and sustainment of riparian aquatic habitats. Changes in ice phenology will affect a wide range of related biological aspects of seasonality. Some changes are likely to be gradual, but others could be more abrupt as systems cross critical ecological thresholds. Transportation and hydroelectric production are two of the socio-economic sectors most vulnerable to change in freshwater-ice regimes. Ice roads will require expensive on-land replacements while hydroelectric operations will both benefit and be challenged. The ability to undertake some traditional harvesting methods will also be affected.

Terry Prowse, Knut Alfredsen, Spyros Beltaos, Barrie R. Bonsal, William B. Bowden, Claude R. Duguay, Atte Korhola, Jim McNamara, Warwick F. Vincent, Valery Vuglinsky, Katey M. Walter Anthony, and Gesa A. Weyhenmeyer "Effects of Changes in Arctic Lake and River Ice," AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment 40(sup1), 63-74, (1 December 2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-011-0217-6
Published: 1 December 2011
JOURNAL ARTICLE
12 PAGES

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KEYWORDS
aquatic ecology
Arctic
Climate
Lake ice
Northern development
River ice
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