Valentin Heinzelmann
Arctic ecosystems are at the forefront of climate change and globally show the highest rate of warming. At the same time, they experience an increase in the frequency and magnitude of extreme events. Single events like frost, drought, heatwaves and fires have received particular scientific interest and in spite of their abruptness they can have long-lasting impacts on ecosystems. With progressing climate change however, multiple extremes, e.g. winter frost followed by summer drought become more likely. Litter decomposition, soil respiration and plant traits might show unexpected responses to a sequence of extremes and thus have interesting implications for carbon and nutrient budgets. To address these issues, I am fortunate to combine lab work with field experiments in Abisko, sub-arctic Sweden (68°21’N, 18°49’E), a place which immediately intrigued me during my first visit. With my background in Geoecology, I aim putting together these puzzle pieces to a broad picture of ecosystem functioning under a future climate where present-day extremes might be the norm.