Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Atmosphere-biosphere exchange of carbon dioxide in boreal forests

Journal Article · · Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/90JD02713· OSTI ID:5401221
 [1]
  1. National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO (USA)
An ecophysiological model of photosynthesis and respiration by forest ecosystems was used to examine CO{sub 2} fluxes in 23 mature boreal forests near Fairbanks, Alaska. Simulated soil respiration, photosynthesis, decomposition, and moss and tree productivity were consistent with observed data. Monthly ecosystem CO{sub 2} flux and net photosynthesis, averaged over 23 sites, were correlated with atmospheric CO{sub 2} concentrations and {delta}{sup 13}C ratios, respectively, at Barrow, Alaska, suggesting the boreal forests of Alaska play an active role in the seasonal dynamics of atmospheric CO{sub 2} at Barrow. Only one of the 23 stands was a source of CO{sub 2}, and the 23 stands absorbed (mean {plus minus} SE) 1,173 {plus minus} 211 g CO{sub 2} m{sup {minus}2} yr{sup {minus}1}. Observed productivity in these forest spans the range of productivity in the circumpolar boreal forest, suggesting the simulated CO{sub 2} fluxes are representative of the circumpolar boreal forest. If so, metabolic activity in the circumpolar boreal forest results in a significant annual uptake of CO{sub 2}.
OSTI ID:
5401221
Journal Information:
Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States) Vol. 96:D4; ISSN 0148-0227; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English