Carbon Dioxide and Methane Dynamics Trough Fen-Stream-Lake Continuum in North Boreal Zone, Finnish Lapland

This study aims to determine spatial and temporal variation in carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) dynamics through a fen-lake continuum. Study was carried out in a catchment dominated by aapa mire over the period from spring 2005 to autumn 2006 in north boreal zone in Finnish Lapland. The study region characteristically has very high lake and mire density. To cover spatial variability we set measurement plots to different plant communities along moisture gradient in the fen and to different positions in the stream and lake. Six different mire communities, stream input to lake marginal mire, a lower stream site, lake in- and output sites, and three littoral and one pelagial site were measured. We measured CO2 and CH4 gas fluxes using closed chamber technique, and dissolved CO2 and CH4 concentrations using headspace equilibration technique weekly to biweekly over the open water season. In association of gas sampling peat and water temperatures, water levels in mire and lake, and stream flow rate were measured. Catchment boundaries and proportions of mire, lake and mineral soil area were determined using topographic maps, aerial photograph and field survey. Precipitation data is achieved from nearby weather station. We will present results of spatial and temporal pattern and seasonal budget of wetland atmosphere exchange of CO2 and CH4. Our preliminary results indicate that there is input of dissolved CO2 and CH4 from mire to the lake. In addition, our observations indicate that there is spatial variation in gas flux dynamics in aquatic environments in relation to the differences in stream flow rate and sediment quality. Seasonally varying hydrology causes changes in gas flux dynamics in all studied wetland surfaces. Information from this study improve the knowledge of carbon transport and balances in northern aapa mire region, where mires are commonly affected by through flow from watershed, and where number of small lakes is great.