Biological and physical influences on the carbon isotope content of CO2 in a subalpine forest snowpack, Niwot Ridge, Colorado

Abstract

Considerable research has recently been devoted to understanding biogeochemical processes under winter snow cover, leading to enhanced appreciation of the importance of many winter ecological processes. In this study, a comprehensive investigation of the stable carbon isotope composition (δ 13C) of CO₂ within a high-elevation subalpine forest snowpack was conducted. Our goals were to study the δ 13C of biological soil respiration under snow in winter, and to assess the relative importance of diffusion and advection (ventilation by wind) for gas transport within snow. In agreement with other studies, we found evidence of an active microbial community under a roughly 1-m deep snowpack during winter and into spring as it melted.

Citation

Bowling, D. R.; Massman, W. J.; Schaeffer, S. M.; Burns, S. P.; Monson, R. K.; Williams, M. W. 2009. Biological and physical influences on the carbon isotope content of CO2 in a subalpine forest snowpack, Niwot Ridge, Colorado. Biogeochemistry. 95:37-59.