Oona Leppiniemi

I am a physical geographer specializing in subarctic environments. My research focuses particularly on palsa mires, examining their distribution, morpho-ecological state, and the impacts of climate change on their dynamics—from local-scale processes to patterns observed across the entire Northern Hemisphere.

Currently, I am working on my postdoctoral research project titled "Cryogenic Habitats – Biotic and Abiotic Diversity Endangered by Climate Change." In this project, I conduct both experimental and empirical research on palsa mires and patterned ground, focusing on changes in plant communities driven by permafrost degradation and the weakening of frost-related processes. I am particularly interested in understanding how these changes affect the abiotic and biotic diversity of northern ecosystems.

In addition to research, I have been actively involved in teaching and developing physical geography education.