Abstract
The Arctic is a natural model for the examination of the growth and survival of microorganisms at low temperatures under a variety of conditions. Long-term exposure to low temperatures occurs in permafrost, which remain frozen, while short-term exposures occur in surface soils. While united by low temperatures, the heterogeneity of abiotic factors results in a high diversity of terrestrial habitats. In this chapter, the abiotic factors of terrestrial Arctic habitats that affect the biogeochemistry, microbial communities, and microorganisms that grow and survive there are examined. Not surprisingly, trends seen in the biogeochemistry of Arctic soils (a mosaic of site-specific conditions and vertical layers) are also found in the microbial communities. How the additional constraints of permafrost influence microorganisms and the potential impacts of warming are reviewed. Furthermore, the adaptations and processes best examined and modeled by microbial communities in terrestrial systems of the Arctic are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Model Ecosystems in Extreme Environments |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Pages | 1-21 |
Number of pages | 21 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128127421 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780128127438 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2019 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General Agricultural and Biological Sciences