Polar
bears aren't the only Arctic creatures suffering because
their habitat is changing. Research has uncovered alarming
evidence that high Arctic ponds, many which have been
permanent bodies of water for thousands of years, are
completely drying out during the polar summer, due to climate
change. Arctic plants are faring better?they are migrating
long distances in order to survive.
Researchers Marianne Douglas and John Smol have been
studying the same 40 Arctic ponds for 24 years, and have
recently found evidence of lower water levels and changes in
water chemistry consistent with an increase in evaporation
caused by warmer temperatures. Douglas says, "It was quite
shocking to see some of our largest study ponds dry up by
early summer."
Meanwhile, BBC News reports that Arctic plants are surviving
by moving to higher (and colder) ground.
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