Atmospheric influences

Global change has many facets. The two major areas relevant for terrestrial ecosystems are changes imposed by land use and changes related to atmospheric change. The first largely relate to alpine farming and tourism, the second relates to aspects like soluble nitrogen deposition, elevated CO2 and the multitude of consequences associated with climatic warming. This teaching unit will familiarise you with potential effects of the physical and chemical changes imposed on alpine vegetation by global change. Actual changes of the environment will be documented and experimental case studies will be used to illustrate possible effects.

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Atmospheric changes: overview Nature's experiments: retreating glaciers Climatic change on Kilimanjaro Photoperiod may inhibit responses to warming Topography effects exceed global warming effects Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) Conclusions Alpine ecosystems and global warming Review test Soluble nitrogen deposition Alpine ecosystems and elevated CO₂ Introduction Learning objectives Start