A pioneering study led by researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has revealed that increasingly frequent wildland fires across the Arctic are significantly delaying snow cover formation and could reduce the duration of snow cover by up to 18 days in the future. These findings have profound implications for global ecosystems and underscore the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure and adaptation strategies.
The comprehensive quantitative assessment, spearheaded by Professor WANG Shuo, Associate Professor in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and member of the Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, was conducted in collaboration with international experts from the University of California, Irvine, and Columbia University. The research has been published in the journal Nature Climate Change.
The study demonstrates that seasonal wildland fires in the Arctic have already delayed the onset of snow cover by at least five days. Projections indicate that, under high-emission scenarios, the annual duration of snow cover could decrease by 18 days by the end of this century. This reduction threatens the Arctic’s critical role in reflecting solar radiation, regulating the planet’s energy balance, and maintaining global hydrological cycles.
Professor WANG explained, “Global warming has intensified Arctic wildland fires, making them more frequent and severe. Our research quantifies the links between wildfires, snow formation, and snow cover duration, providing insights into land-atmosphere interactions under climate change.”
The study identifies black carbon deposition from wildfires as a key factor reducing surface albedo and increasing solar energy absorption. This leads to higher land and air temperatures, suppressing snow accumulation and delaying snow formation. The resulting feedback loop—where reduced snow cover further exacerbates warming and fire risk—highlights the vulnerability of Arctic ecosystems to cascading climate impacts.
These findings provide robust scientific evidence for predicting future hydrological cycles and climate dynamics in the Arctic. They also offer essential guidance for assessing ecosystem resilience and formulating effective climate adaptation strategies, supporting the development of climate-resilient infrastructure worldwide.
This research aligns with the United Nations’ “Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences” and reinforces PolyU’s commitment to advancing global climate resilience through scientific innovation.
