Kappen, L 1993: Plant activity under snow and ice, with particular reference to lichens. - Arctic46(4): 297-302. [RLL List # 156 / Rec.# 9810] Keywords: COLD TEMPERATURES/ FREEZING/ ICE/ LIFE STRATEGIES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS/ RESPIRATION/ SNOW/ WATER RELATIONS
Abstract: 5 fig. 3 tab. [Review article. "Based on recent investigations and literature, this paper discusses to what extent lichens are better adapted to snow and ice than vascular plants. Vascular plants in high latitudes have high freezing tolerances but are photosynthetically inactive in winter (e.g., evergreen coniferous species), while lichens in a highly freezing-tolerant stage can be active and productive under winter conditions. Vascular plants can be active under snow but have no photosynthesis if the tissue is frozen. Recent in situ measurements indicate that lichens are able to photosynthesize at temperatures below -10°C, apparently in the frozen state."]