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Over the past few decades the Arctic's grassy tundra has been increasingly overtaken by shrubs. A recent experiment found that the shade provided by these shrubs keeps the permafrost in the ground beneath them comparatively cool. However, shrubs also alter the land surface albedo, as their dark leaves and stems absorb more radiation than the surrounding snowpack and tundra. This may partly counteract the shading effect by warming the atmosphere and soil. [Source: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)]
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