ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Russian scientists have revealed an increase in the diversity and activity of microorganisms in the Barents Sea due to climate warming in the region, which can make the Arctic a source of carbon dioxide emissions, the press service of the Kurchatov Institute reported Tuesday.
The study analysed soil samples of several Arctic islands from last year's expedition. Scientists have discovered the relationship between the emission of carbon dioxide and the variety of microbial communities in the soil of the Barents Sea.
According to the study, the warmer the Arctic, the more pronounced the soil warming. The variety and activity of soil microorganisms will also increase. The vital activity of microbial communities accelerates the decomposition of organic matter in the soil, which leads to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
With further development, the northern ecosystems can turn from the absorptions and guardians of organic carbon into its sources. ■