How climate change changes alpine ecosystems

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Alpine Ökosysteme, die eine große Vielfalt an Flora und Fauna beherbergen und als wichtige Wasserspeicher der Welt dienen, sind aufgrund des Klimawandels dramatischen Umwälzungen ausgesetzt. Diese Veränderungen haben weitreichende Auswirkungen auf das Gleichgewicht dieser empfindlichen Ökosysteme. In diesem Artikel untersuchen wir, wie der Klimawandel die alpinen Ökosysteme verändert und welche Maßnahmen zur Bewahrung dieser landschaftlichen Schätze erforderlich sind. Wirkung auf die Flora Artenwandel Temperaturen steigen weltweit an, aber im Hochgebirge steigen die Temperaturen besonders schnell. Der Boden bleibt länger schneefrei, was das Wachstum von Pflanzen ermöglicht und die Wachstumssaison verlängert. Niedrigwachsende alpine Pflanzen dieses kühlen und feuchten Klimas, welche langsam …
How climate change changes alpine ecosystems (Symbolbild/natur.wiki)

alpine ecosystems that accommodate a wide variety of flora and fauna and serve as important water storage in the world are exposed to dramatic upheavals due to climate change. These changes have far -reaching effects on the balance of these sensitive ecosystems. In this article we examine how climate change changes alpine ecosystems and which measures are required to preserve these scenic treasures.

effect on the flora

species change

Temperatures rise worldwide, but the temperatures in the high mountains rise particularly quickly. The floor remains snow -free for longer, which enables plants growth and extends the growth season. Low -growing alpine plants of this cool and damp climate, which grow slowly and with modest resources, are dominated by lowlands. However, they have intensive competition and high growth rates. Over time, this leads to a change of species that is difficult to predict.

Woming vegetation zones

The plant species of the high mountains are dependent on cooler temperatures. With global warming, they are no longer able to survive in their traditional habitats, and consequently "hike" them to higher heights. When the temperature rises in lower zones, types from these zones begin to move upwards and continue to put the original species under pressure.

effects on the fauna

Disturbance of the food chains

The shifts in flora and vegetation have direct effects on the rest of the ecosystem. Different animals are dependent on certain plants as a source of food. Therefore, every disorder of vegetation can lead to a domino effect on the animal world.

Changes in behavior and the spread of animals

Murmurs, snow bunnies and other alpine species react with changed behaviors to warming, e.g. by waking up their hibernation earlier or changing their migration routes. Climate change also leads to an "urge to go up" in many ways, as is the case with plants. This makes the area of ​​the Alpine snow chicken, for example.

effects on alpine waters

melting the glacier

One of the most obvious effects that climate change has on alpine ecosystems is melting the glaciers, which is already visible from afar. This phenomenon is caused by rising temperatures and has long -term effects on water resources. Since glaciers are an important source of rivers and lakes in summer, their retreat has far-reaching effects on freshwater ecosystems.

changes in water quality

The melting of the glaciers also changes the quality of the water. With melting glaciers, nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen penetrate into the water and thus influence the growth of plants and microorganisms. This can affect the water quality and disturb the balance in the water.

measures to preserve alpine ecosystems

Monitoring programs

It is important to collect precise data about the changes in the alpine ecosystems. A wide variety of scientific monitoring programs are carried out for this. With the help of this data, strategies can be developed to help the affected regions.

adaptation strategies

Both humans and animals have to adapt to be able to deal with the effects of climate change. The creation of wildlife corridors can, for example, help animals be made the hike in higher, colder areas possible. At the same time, restrictions and prohibitions in the area of ​​high mountain tourism should be increasingly considered in order to protect the sensitive ecosystems.

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

However, the most important measure to preserve alpine ecosystems is to drastically reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. Because climate change, caused by humans, is the cause of the temperature increases and thus the resulting changes in the alpine landscape. We can only hope to slow down climate change and to preserve our valuable alpine ecosystems through global change into more sustainable ways of life and the use of renewable energy sources.

FAZIT

The alpine ecosystems, the home of numerous plant and animal species and important water reservoirs in the world, are massively affected by climate change. Measures to limit climate change and adaptation strategies urgently need to be promoted in order to preserve these unique ecosystems for future generations. Protecting alpine ecosystems is a global responsibility that we should all share. It is our duty to use us to preserve this precious natural heritage.