New research reveals that vegetation cover on the Antarctic Peninsula has surged more than tenfold over the past forty years.
Like many polar areas, the Antarctic Peninsula is experiencing a warming trend that is faster than the global average, with occurrences of extreme heat becoming increasingly frequent.
This study, conducted by the universities of Exeter and Hertfordshire along with the British Antarctic Survey, utilized satellite data to evaluate the expansion of greenery in the Antarctic Peninsula as a response to climate change.
The findings indicate that the amount of vegetative cover expanded from under one square kilometer in 1986 to nearly 12 square kilometers by 2021.
Published in Nature Geoscience, the research also noted that this trend towards greening has accelerated by more than 30% in the most recent years (2016-2021), growing by over 400,000 square meters annually during this timeframe compared to the entire study period (1986-2021).
In a previous investigation, the research team analyzed core samples from ecosystems dominated by moss on the Antarctic Peninsula, revealing that plant growth rates have shown significant increases in recent decades.
The current study confirms, through satellite imagery, that a notable greening process is taking place across the Antarctic Peninsula and is gaining momentum.
“The flora found on the Antarctic Peninsula, primarily mosses, exists in some of the harshest conditions known on Earth,” stated Dr. Thomas Roland from the University of Exeter.
“Currently, the region is predominantly made up of snow, ice, and rock, with only a small portion being colonized by vegetation.
“However, that small area has grown significantly, indicating that even this vast and isolated wilderness is being influenced by human-induced climate change.”
Dr. Olly Bartlett from the University of Hertfordshire remarked, “As these ecosystems establish themselves and temperatures continue to rise, it is likely that the greening will further expand.
“Although Antarctic soil is generally poor or nonexistent, the rise in plant life will contribute organic matter and support soil formation, potentially opening the door for other types of vegetation to grow.
“This also heightens the risk of non-native and invasive species arriving, possibly brought in by eco-tourists, researchers, or other visitors to the area.”
The researchers stress the immediate necessity for more studies to pinpoint the specific climate and environmental drivers behind this greening trend.
“It is now evident how sensitive the vegetation on the Antarctic Peninsula is to climate change and that, with future human-induced warming, we could witness significant alterations in the biology and landscape of this iconic and at-risk region,” said Dr. Roland.
He added, “Our results raise significant concerns regarding the environmental future of the Antarctic Peninsula and the entire continent. To safeguard Antarctica, we need to comprehend these changes and accurately determine their causes.”
The researchers are currently exploring how recently deglaciated (ice-free) areas are being colonized by plants and how this process may unfold over time.
