Large loss of CO2 in winter observed across the northern permafrost region
Woodwell Climate Research Center · University of Bayreuth · +63 more institutions
Abstract
Recent warming in the Arctic, which has been amplified during the winter1–3, greatly enhances microbial decomposition of soil organic matter and subsequent release of carbon dioxide (CO2)4. However, the amount of CO2 released in winter is not known and has not been well represented by ecosystem models or empirically based estimates5,6. Here we synthesize regional in situ observations of CO2 flux from Arctic and boreal soils to assess current and future winter carbon losses from the northern permafrost domain. We estimate a contemporary loss of 1,662 TgC per year from the permafrost region during the winter season (October–April). This loss is greater than the average growing season carbon uptake for this…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 30.45
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 46
Authors
75Topics & keywords
- Permafrost
- Climatology
- Physical geography
- Environmental science
- Climate change
- Earth science
- Geology
- Oceanography