West Siberian palsa peatlands: distribution, typology, cyclic development, present day climate-driven changes, seasonal hydrology and impact on CO₂ cycle

Abstract

Palsa peatlands occupy extensive areas in Western Siberia which is one of the most paludified flat lowlands of the world. Climatic changes in Western Siberia are more dramatic compared with other northern regions, and changes in palsa landscapes are more notable due to the severe continental climate here. The distribution, peculiarities and climate-indication capacities of West Siberian palsas are poorly known outside Russia. Thus, Western Siberia is one of the most interesting vast natural polygons for studying climate-driven changes in the landscapes. This paper aims to fill the gap in knowledge on West Siberian palsas and their capacity as a climate regulator. We present issues in distribution, typology and cyclic development of palsa peatlands and their actual climate-driven changes. We also analyse the role of palsas in the atmospheric cycle of CO₂, and the hydrology of the palsa regions.

Keywords:

• Permafrost
• Cryolitozone
• Palsa
• Thermokarst
• Lakes
• Thawing
• Climate

Acknowledgements

This research was financially supported by EU-INTAS project 34.35.25, CAR-WET-SIB ‘Biogeochemical cycle of carbon in wetlands of Western Siberia’ GDRI (Groupement de recherche international) project, ANR project ‘IMPACT-Boreal’, and RFBR 08-04-92495-CNRS_а, RFBR 08-05-92496-CNRS_а, RFBR 08-05-92497-CNRS_а projects. Landscape studies in August 2006 were carried out with the assistance of US National Public Radio.