Seasonal dynamics of Arctic soils: capturing year-round processes in measurements and soil biogeochemical models

The Arctic is undergoing rapid changes in climate, altering the status and functioning of high-latitude soils and permafrost. The vast majority of studies on Arctic soils and permafrost are conducted during the summer period due to ease of accessibility, sampling, instrument operation, and making measurements, in comparison to during winter and transition seasons. However, there is increasing evidence that microbial activity continues in Arctic soils outside of the summer period. Moreover, it is becoming clear that understanding the seasonal dynamics of Arctic soils is of critical importance, especially considering that the under-studied winter is the period that is most sensitive to climate warming. Soil biogeochemical models have advanced our understanding of the functioning and fate of soils in the Arctic, however it is vital that seasonality in biotic and abiotic processes is accurately captured in these models. Here we synthesize recent investigations and observations of the year-round functioning of Arctic soils, review soil biogeochemical modelling frameworks, and highlight certain processes and behaviors that are shaped by seasonality and thus warrant particular consideration within these models. More attention to seasonal processes will be critical to improving datasets and soil biogeochemical models that can be used to understand the year-round functioning of soils and the fate of the soil carbon reservoir in the Arctic.