A model of growth and carbon storage in Eriophorum Vaginatum L.
Abstract
Eriophorum Vaginatum L. is a rhizomatous, tussock forming, perennial sedge commonly found in Arctic tundra environments. Tussocks are well suited to harsh nutrient poor environments and tussock tundra is common in Alaska, Canada and Northeastern Russia accounting for 24% of Arctic land area. Tussocks play important roles in Arctic ecosystem biogeochemistry and C storage. However, the environmental and biological factors controlling their size, distribution across the landscape and growth are poorly understood as a result of their growth form and slow growth rate ( 150 years). In order to better understand the role of tussocks in tussock tundra ecosystem C stocks and the potential impacts of climate change on tussock tundra we amassed data from a core site at Toolik field station in North Slope Alaska as well as other Arctic locations. Using this information we constructed a model of carbon storage and growth in E. Vaginatum. We conclude that environmental conditions and the physical properties of the tussock growth form control the rate of tussock growth and retention of C. This work highlights the role of plant growth forms in the retention of tundra ecosystem C stocks. It also has broader applicability to those interested in predicating the impacts of climate change and shifts in vegetation species composition on C storage and fuel loading as well as broader vegetation modeling efforts in tundra ecosystems.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016AGUFMGC43B1162C
- Keywords:
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- 1630 Impacts of global change;
- GLOBAL CHANGEDE: 1632 Land cover change;
- GLOBAL CHANGEDE: 1637 Regional climate change;
- GLOBAL CHANGEDE: 1640 Remote sensing;
- GLOBAL CHANGE