The Disappearing Cryosphere: Ecological and Biogeochemical Consequences. An LTER Network Cross-Site Initiative

The cryosphere, that portion of the Earth’s surface where water is in solid form for at least a month a year, has been shrinking in response to climate warming.  The areal extent and duration of cover of sea ice, snow, and glaciers, for example, have been decreasing.  In response, the ecosystems that exist within the cryosphere or depend on the cryosphere have been changing.  We identify two principal aspects of ecosystem-level responses to cryosphere loss: trophodynamic alterations resulting from the loss of habitat and species loss or replacement; and changes in the rates and mechanisms of biogeochemical storage and cycling of carbon and nutrients, caused by changes in physical forcings or ecological community functioning. These changes can be either a positive or negative impact on the biota depending on how they interact with the cryosphere.  The important outcome, however, is the change and the response of the human social system (infrastructure, food, water, recreation) will have to change.