The multi-year carbon balance of a subarctic paisa mire as documented by micrometeorological techniques

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  • Marcin Jackowicz-Korczyński
  • Torben R. Christensen
  • Friborg, Thomas
  • Patrick Crill
  • Mika Aurela

This paper reports on a four year dataset on carbon fluxes in a subarctic palsa mire based on micrometeorological eddy covariance measurements. The mire is a complex system with both wet minerorrophic areas and elevated dry palsa as well as intermediate sub-ecosystems. It was in this study found that these different components of the mire were not represented equally in the footprint of the measurement tower. The measurements document primarily the emission originating from the wet parts of the mire dominated by rather homogenous cover of Eriophorum angustifolium. These areas have previously been shown to be expanding on the expense of the palsa areas as the permafrost is thawing. A certain influence of a nearby lake in the easterly wind direction was also found. The CO2/CH4 flux measurements performed during the years 2004 - 2008 showed that the areas represented in the measurements were a remarkable stable sink of carbon with an average annual rate of uptake amounting to -69 g C m -2 y-1 including an equally stable up to 20% loss through CH4 emissions (18-22 g CH4-C m-2 y-1). This stable carbon sink functioning combined with substantial CH4 emissions due to the very wet saturated soil conditions is most likely what is expected from expanding areas as the permafrost in the palsa mires degrades in response to climate warming.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLand-atmosphere interaction of a subarctic palsa mire
Number of pages16
Publication date2009
Edition184
Pages35-50
ISBN (Print)9789185793099
Publication statusPublished - 2009
SeriesMeddelanden fran Lunds Universitets Geografiska Institutioner, Avhandlingar
Number184
ISSN0346-6787

ID: 346188560