Mosses and liverworts in the glacier forelands and mature tundra of Svalbard (High Arctic): diversity, ecology, and community composition

Abstract

: The harsh polar environment results in the dominance of mosses and liverworts in tundra communities. To date, very little research has been devoted to the diversity and ecology of these groups in the High Arctic. The aim of this research was to investigate the diversity and community composition of mosses and liverworts in various stages of the ecogenesis of Svalbard ecosystems, and to identify environmental factors affecting species distribution. In 2017, 270 plots were established in a grid in eight glacier forelands and the mature tundra surrounding them. Within these plots, the percentage cover of mosses and liverworts was investigated. In 201 plots, soil samples were taken and environmental data (aspect, bare ground cover, biological soil crust cover, distance from the glacier forehead, rock cover, slope, time elapsed since the glacier’s retreat,