Ecosystem-level consequences of climate warming in tundra under differing grazing pressures by reindeer

11.12.2014 13:19
Grazing by reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L.) affects vegetation and soil microbial processes in tundra ecosystems. It is considered that grazing can induce two alternative vegetation states that differ in plant species composition and the rate of nutrient cycling. The doctoral dissertation of Master of Science Maria Väisänen shows that the grazing history by reindeer, with the associated vegetation shift from dwarf shrubs to graminoids, can significantly alter the ecosystem-level consequences of climate warming.

The academic dissertation of researcher Maria Väisänen is a part of a research project funded by the Academy of Finland and led by Doctor Sari Stark. The project was working at the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland from summer 2012 to summer 2014, as part of the Global Change research group, led by research professor Bruce Forbes.

Master of Science Maria Väisänen's dissertation “Ecosystem-level consequences of climate warming in tundra under differing grazing pressures by reindeer“ will be examined on 18th December 2014 at 12 noon University of Oulu, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology. The opponent is Professor Philip Wookey from Heriot-Watt University, Great Britain. The custodian is Professor Jari Oksanen from the University of Oulu. The public examination will take place in Kuusamonsali (YB210), Linnanmaa, Oulu. Welcome!

More information and link to the research.