Freshwater diatoms as indicators of environmental change in the High Arctic

High arctic environments have received increased attention over recent years, as polar regions are considered to be especially sensitive to the effects of global climatic and other environmental changes (Walsh, 1991; Rouse et al., 1997). For example, potential warming from ‘greenhouse gases’ is expected to be accentuated in the High Arctic (Roots, 1989). Other environmental changes, such as increased ultraviolet (UV-B) light penetration and deposition of airborne contaminants, have also been noted recently in high latitude regions (e.g., Landers, 1995).