Submitted by JanniesStopBanningMe t3_10a3gaj in askscience
epanek t1_j42vgsj wrote
Yes its called Artic Greening and is happening quickly.
Other factors such as permafrost thawing, changes in fire regimes, and land use changes are also affecting the treeline. Additionally, this process is not uniform and varies in different regions, some areas may even experience a shrinkage of treeline.
It's important to note that this process is not only affecting the treeline but also the entire ecosystem in the Arctic, as the trees support many other species and changes in the treeline can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.
hoummousbender t1_j45mll6 wrote
One example: In Alaska, There is a reduction in permafrost, leading to a boom in trees, and a huge boom in beavers. The ponds they create warm the soil further and create more readily available water, which attracts other animals like muskrats and waterfowl. An entirely new ecosystem is being created. https://www.nationalobserver.com/2022/02/23/news/alaska-warming-tundra-beaver-boom
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