Holocene temperature and environmental reconstruction from lake sediments in the Søndre Strømfjord region, southern West Greenland

Abstract

Instrumental temperature records indicate that the mean annual surface-air temperature of the Earth has risen approximately 0.6°C since 1860 (IPCC 2001). Increased global warming can have considerable influence at high latitudes, and among the major concerns are the effects on the sensitive arctic ecosystems and the possible reduction in the diversity of regional flora and fauna. Arctic organisms are highly adapted to extreme environmental conditions and have difficulties coping with any additional stresses or disturbances.