Seabirds are helping to slow Arctic warming, and they do so in a very curious way, according to a study published in the scientific journal Nature. In this part of the world, rising temperatures are causing serious problems, although without these animals, the situation would be much worse.
Guano, the unexpected ally of the Arctic
That's right. Guano is what's slowing down global warming. Scientists have calculated that up to 400.000 tons of guano They are deposited on the surface during the migration and nesting season of these beautiful animals. But it not only serves to fertilize the soil and the plants that can grow in it, but it also triggers high albedo cloud formation, which produce an average cooling of 0.5 watts per square meter. Although this is not much and does not fully compensate for polar warming, This discovery could be used in the short or medium term to develop an effective action plan to protect the Arctic. of the rapid changes that are taking place in the global climate and, especially, at the poles.
Ammonia particles, present in guano, concentrate around the coloniesBecause they are so tiny and invisible to the human eye, the air carries them away, spreading them throughout the Arctic region. This creates the ideal conditions for the formation of clouds that reflect sunlight, thus preventing temperatures from rising and warming the land and sea.
An international study, in which researchers from Canada, Sweden, and the United States collaborated, revealed that bird droppings play a crucial role in cooling the Arctic during the warmer months. In an article published in the journal Nature Communications., the team observed unexpected levels of ammonia in the air and linked them to bird droppings. This phenomenon is similar to what occurs in other ecosystems where the health of the environment is affected by climate change, as described in Key ecosystems in the fight against climate change.
Birds migrate to Arctic regions during the warm months, covering much of the local landscape with guano. During a trip to the Canadian Arctic, researchers collected air samples and found that, at certain times of the year, ammonia in the air increased markedly when the temperature was above freezing. Initially, they thought the source of the ammonia was the sea, but after several tests, they determined it was coming from birds. This phenomenon is also linked to the Arctic Ocean acidification.
Guano and its effect on the climate
It is estimated that 400.000 tons of guano They are deposited by tens of millions of birds on Arctic soils during their migration and nesting between May and September. The nitrogen-rich fish are ingested by the birds, who in turn deposit urea and feces containing ammonia-producing bacteria. This ammonia reacts with the sulfuric acid produced by the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) excreted by algae when ingested by plankton. The DMS, upon contact with the atmosphere, oxidizes, forming small cloud condensation nuclei (CCNs).
These clouds have a high albedo, which means they reflect a large amount of solar radiation back into space. According to studies, this guano would allow for an average cooling of 0.5 watts per square meter, contributing to mitigating global warming, although it is still far from offsetting the overall greenhouse effect. This issue is essential in the context of the climate change and the cryosphere and has implications for how people behave Transantarctic Mountains.
Impact of warming on Arctic birds
The warming of the Arctic not only affects global temperatures, but also directly impacts seabirds. Recent research has shown that Arctic seabird species, such as the broad-billed guillemot (Uria lomvia), are experiencing increased heat stress due to extreme temperatures. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that these birds have a very limited ability to dissipate heat, increasing their vulnerability to adverse weather conditions.
Researchers have observed that larger seabirds are especially vulnerable to heat stress, showing signs of weakening and mortality on sunny days. Research reveals that Overheating is a little-studied effect of climate change on Arctic wildlife., and it is essential to study how these birds respond to the warming of their habitats, including the anomalous heat in the Arctic.
The work of Francisco Ramírez and his team has shown that the The breeding season for seabirds is moving forward in response to global warming. An international study examined 36 Arctic bird species at 35 locations and found that the breeding season has moved forward by approximately XNUMX days over the past XNUMX years, which is directly related to rising ocean temperatures and melting ice. These changes are also relevant to the impact of heat on animals, as detailed in how heat affects animals.
Challenges for seabird reproduction
The reproduction of seabirds in the Arctic is strongly affected by environmental conditions, which are changing rapidly due to global warming. The analysis indicates that Seabirds only breed at specific times in spring, when light, temperature, and food availability conditions are optimal. However, this time window is very short, and if the birds fail to adapt sufficiently, they may have limited reproductive success.
Species that feed in surface waters, such as the white-tailed skua (Stercorarius longicaudus) and various gulls, are the most affected by these changes. On the other hand, diving species, such as the Atlantic puffin (fratercula arctica), appear to show less variation in their reproductive patterns. Global warming alters not only the reproductive calendar, but also population dynamics, influencing birds' ability to survive and reproduce in a constantly changing environment. Research on these patterns is vital to understanding climate issues, as mentioned in the effects of climate change in Spain.
This highlights the need for more long-term data to understand the trends and responses of Arctic bird populations. Continued monitoring and analysis of population dynamics are essential for implementing effective conservation strategies.
In the context of climate change, seabirds face multiple challenges. Some species are disappearing or experiencing extremes in their populations, while others must adjust their feeding habits and reproductive behavior. As sea ice retreats, food availability also changes, creating an uncertain outlook for the conservation of these species, which play a vital role in the health of marine ecosystems.
Implications for conservation
The loss of sea ice and associated warming not only threaten the survival of seabirds, but also jeopardize the stability of the entire Arctic food chain. Research suggests that Ice ages and sea ice are crucial not only for wildlife, but also for the human communities that depend on these ecosystems.Seabirds, in addition to being indicators of ocean health, are important for fishing and other economic activities in the region.
The key to protecting seabirds and their habitats lies in a detailed understanding of the interactions between climate change and the biology of these species. Conservation strategies must include long-term monitoring and a holistic approach that considers the environmental and biological dynamics that influence Arctic marine life. There are many challenges to address, as explored in the context of what is an ecosystem.
Continued research is imperative to understand how these interactions will develop in the future. The health of Arctic marine ecosystems and biodiversity depends on the ability of scientists, conservationists, and policymakers to work together to address the threats facing seabirds in this vulnerable region.
