Spatial variation in spring CO2 efflux along the trans-Alaska pipeline, Alaska: Contribution of spring carbon

Spring soil CO2 efflux-measurement was conducted in representative sites along the trans-Alaska pipeline during 2010 to 2012 for the understanding of spatial variation in spring CO2 efflux response to change in snow-melting timing. The sites is 3 tundra sites (coastal tundra, upland tundra, upland tundra, and sub-alpine tundra), 2 white spruce sites in tundra-boreal forest ecotone, and Gold Creek, and 3 black spruce sites in Coldfoot, upper and lower reaches of the Yukon River. Soil CO2 efflux-measurement, which is a portable manual chamber CO2 efflux system, was conducted during snow-covered and snow-melting periods, minimizing artificial effects. CO2 effluxes in snow-covered and exposed soils showed a significantly difference, suggesting that spring CO2 efflux is much higher than that in snow-covered soil. The efflux was measured at 4-direction due to the difference of exposed extent, implying the magnitude of CO2 production. Average diameter in breast height (DBH: 85 × 11 cm) of white spruce is much thicker than black spruce (DBH: 33 × 5 cm), suggesting the difference of heat uptake and emission capacity between both forests. Soil temperature at 5 cm below the surface is one of significant keys in determining soil CO2 efflux. The magnitude of spring CO2 efflux showed white spruce, black spruce, and tundra in turn, suggesting that spring CO2 efflux (> 8 gC/m2/day) of corresponds to summer soil CO2 efflux. Then, spring soil CO2 efflux should be not overlooked the contribution of annual soil carbon efflux in spite of difficulties in snow-disappeared timing and springtime.