Indicators for Climate Change Impacts - Wetlands in cold ecoregions, Wetlands
Vegetation type
| Stressor type | Hydrology |
|---|---|
| Responding parameter group | Biological parameters |
| Responding parameter | Vegetation type |
Response description
Lowered water table leads to succession to forest-type vegetation from the graminoids and mosses occurring in pristine conditions.
Secondary effects
Nutrient cycling and carbon storage are affected because litter quality and quantity is different between the two vegetation types.
Specification of relevant ecosystem type
Wet boreal peatlands
Relevant ecoregion(s) according to Illies
19 (Iceland), 20 (Borealic Uplands), 21 (Tundra), 22 (Fenno-Scandian Shield), 23 (Taiga)
Suggested indicator
Water table height, occurrence of higher plant species
Justification of indicator
Water table height and vegetation assemblages are directly correlated.
Reference(s)
Laiho R., H. Vasander, T. Penttila & L. Laine (2003): Dynamics of plant-mediated organic matter and nutrient cycling following water-level drawdown in boreal peatlands. Global Biogeochemical Cycles 17(2).
