Thermokarst lakes of Old Crow Flats are formed by melting permafrost
We have little information on observed impacts of climate change, although several studies have linked weather variables to variations in components of the ecosystems. Other studies have examined potential impacts of climate change based on past records and some experimentation.
Probably the most comprehensive work related to impacts of climate change is research on the Porcupine Caribou Herd. This research is summarized in the slide show on Caribou and Climate
The extensive wetlands of Old Crow Flats and the Beaufort coastal plain are important to migratory birds. These wetlands are closely tied to permafrost processes. Baseline information on these wetlands has been compiled from satellite imagery and vegetation mapping in order to examine past changes and monitor trends in the wetlands. This information is presented in the section on the Old Crow Flats.
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