Ecological Monitoring

Researchers set up snow-depth poles as part of a study. — Researchers set up snow-depth monitoring stakes before the snow flies in Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve.

Monitoring ecosystem components is a valuable way to understand the current condition of ecosystems within a long-term context. Monitoring allows us to detect changes when they occur and understand long-term trends. Because mountain environments can be especially extreme and sensitive to change, they are important places to monitor.

Alpine Vegetation

Many alpine plants are sensitive to change. Monitoring them over time can tell us how ecosystems are changing.
Glaciers

Monitoring glaciers documents changes in mass balance and extent.
High-elevation Pines

High-elevation pines are important food sources for alpine birds and bears.
Lakes and Wetlands

Alpine lakes are important water sources.
Rivers and Streams

Mountains are the sources of many major rivers.
Snow and Seasonal Processes

Snow depth, snow chemistry, and seasonal processes, such as snow-on and snow-off dates are critical to montane ecosystems.

Last updated: December 30, 2019

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