Palsa mires
Palsa mires are northern mire complexes with permanently frozen peat hummocks, located at the outer limit of the permafrost zone. Palsa mires have high conservation status, being characterized by a rich diversity of bird species and unique geomorphological processes. They are currently degrading throughout their distributional range, probably because of regional climatic warming.
Palsa model
Distributions of palsas in Fennoscandia were modelled using a generalized additive modelling technique. Climate change scenarios were applied to assess possible impacts on the palsa distribution during the 21st century (Fronzek et al 2006).
Study area
The study area covers ca. 240 000 km2 in northernmost Finland, Norway and Sweden with a southern border corresponding to the Arctic Circle (66° 33’ N). Altitudes range from sea level to the highest peak in Sweden, Kebnekaise, 2217 m a.s.l.
References
Fronzek, S., M. Luoto & T.R. Carter (2006). Potential effect of climate change on the distribution of palsa mires in subarctic Fennoscandia. Climate Research, 32(1), 1-12.