Photos Show Spread of Alaskan Arctic Shrubs

Federal researchers have discovered that shrubs in the Alaskan Arctic are growing larger and spreading across previously barren territory in the tundra. The findings, reported in Thursday’s Nature, add to the scientific consensus that the region is gradually getting warmer.

The team combed through archives of aerial photos, comparing new images to those of the same locations taken 50 years ago. Of the 66 aerial photos taken for the study, growth increases were reported in 36 images, with the growth of some plants estimated to be as much as 15%. The new photographs clearly illustrate a shift in the tree line in the last 50 years. They also show moose footprints, indicating the animals have migrated north to follow the shrubs.

Compiled by Times medical writer Thomas H. Maugh II