Biber Could Accelerate Climate Change by Creating Artificial Lakes
Biber, the animal landscape architects, are creating artificial lakes that could accelerate the thawing of permafrost soils and, in turn, speed up climate change. According to scientific theory, the primary cause of climate change is the steadily increasing concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere caused by human activity. However, global warming has also led to other self-reinforcing processes and domino effects, such as the destruction of cooling ocean clouds and changes in phytoplankton distribution. Another risk factor that could significantly accelerate climate change is the potential thawing of permafrost soils in the Arctic regions.
Scientists at the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in Potsdam have investigated whether beavers in their habitat are accelerating climate change by creating new lakes that cause permafrost soils to thaw. Beavers have been populating the ecosystem in Alaska since ancient times, but their population density and northern distribution range have increased significantly due to climate change. The scientists analyzed the changes in landscapes caused by beavers using high-resolution satellite images.
The researchers found that beavers are creating artificial lakes by blocking rivers with plant material, which is also their food source. The scientists were surprised by the exponential growth of beaver dams, which double in number every four years. The beavers are intuitively seeking areas that can be easily flooded, such as former lake beds, to create new lakes. The creation of these lakes causes the permafrost in the basin to thaw, which increases the depth of the artificial water body. The scientists warn that it is essential to monitor beaver activity closely to assess the future of permafrost.
Further studies are needed to investigate the complete Arctic region, as similar behavior is likely to occur in other areas outside of Alaska. The researchers believe that the growth of beaver dams in Canada is even more significant. The study highlights the need to address the impact of animal behavior on climate change and the importance of monitoring the activities of animals in the ecosystem.
In conclusion, the beavers’ creation of artificial lakes could accelerate climate change by causing permafrost soils to thaw. The exponential growth of beaver dams is a cause for concern, and further studies are needed to assess the impact of animal behavior on climate change. It is crucial to monitor the activities of animals in the ecosystem to understand the future of permafrost.
