description Stordalen Mire Overview
Stordalen Mire is a subarctic peatland near Abisko in northern Sweden, located in a region of discontinuous permafrost. It is a long-term field site for research on how thawing frozen ground changes vegetation, hydrology, microbial activity, and the release or storage of carbon dioxide and methane. The mire is particularly useful to climate and ecosystem researchers because intact permafrost, collapsing ground, and thawed wetland environments occur within a relatively compact area.
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Where is the Stordalen Mire located?
The Stordalen Mire is a vast subarctic peatland located near the village of Abisko in northern Sweden. It sits well within the Arctic Circle, making it a prime location for cold-climate environmental research.
Why is Stordalen Mire so important to climate scientists?
The mire is a crucial, long-term field site where scientists study the effects of thawing permafrost on global climate change. Researchers specifically monitor how the thawing frozen ground alters the release of massive amounts of stored carbon.
What type of environment is the Stordalen Mire?
It is a complex peatland characterized by a region of discontinuous permafrost, meaning the ground is only partially frozen. This unique hydrology creates a patchwork of different wetland ecosystems and vegetation types.
What happens to carbon when permafrost thaws in the Stordalen Mire?
As the frozen ground thaws, previously trapped organic matter begins to rapidly decompose. This decomposition causes the mire to release large volumes of methane and carbon dioxide, which are potent greenhouse gases.
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