Distribution of Woody Biomass on the Outwash Plain of a Retreating Glacier in Southern Iceland: Role of Microhabitat and Substrate

A study of Skaftafellsjökull, an outlet glacier in southern Iceland retreating since 1890, reveals that the outwash plain's microhabitat—specifically its channels and swales—hosts a higher concentration of woody biomass, dominated by Betula pubescens (downy birch), than the moraines. Despite occupying less area, these fine-grained substrates within channels foster successful seeding and growth, leading to greater mean woody biomass on the outwash plain compared to moraines. The research combines field observations with topographic analysis to highlight how substrate heterogeneity influences vegetation distribution in glacier forelands.

Pepper Yriberry, F., & Tanner, L. H. (2024). Distribution of Woody Biomass on the Outwash Plain of a Retreating Glacier in Southern Iceland: Role of Microhabitat and Substrate. Ecologies, 5(3), 420–431. https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies5030026