Seasonality of biogeochemical processes in Arctic soils

Arctic areas are undergoing rapid changes that alter the biogeochemical processes in soils at high latitudes. The vast majority of studies on Arctic soils and permafrost are conducted during the summer period, owing to the ease of accessibility, sampling, instrument operation and making measurements. Nonetheless, there is increasing evidence that microbial activity continues during the winter and transition seasons. Hence, understanding and forecasting the seasonal dynamics of Arctic soils is of paramount importance, especially considering that winter is the most sensitive period to climate warming. An article published in Earth-Sicence Reviews and co-authored by an IGG researcher summarises recent
advances in the study and modelling of year-round functioning of Arctic soils. The seasonality of biotic and abiotic processes and the importance of representing them accurately in models is therefore highlighted. Increasing the focus on seasonal processes will be crucial for improving datasets and models of biogeochemical cycles and the fate of the carbon reservoir
contained in Arctic soils.

Bibliographic reference

Zhou Lyu, Pacifica Sommers, Steven K. Schmidt, Marta Magnani, Mihai Cimpoiasu, Oliver Kuras, Qianlai Zhuang, Youmi Oh, Maria De La Fuente, Margaret Cramm, James A. Bradley, 2024. Seasonal dynamics of Arctic soils: Capturing year-round processes in measurements and soil biogeochemical models, 2024, Earth-Science Reviews,254,104820, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2024.104820.

For information: Marta Magnani, CNR-IGG (marta.magnani@igg.cnr.it).