Holocene carbon stocks and carbon accumulation rates altered in soils undergoing permafrost thaw

Caitlin E. Hicks Pries; Edward A.G. Schuur; K. Grace Crummer

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Holocene carbon stocks and carbon accumulation rates altered in soils undergoing permafrost thaw

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Caitlin E. Hicks Pries, Edward A.G. Schuur, K. Grace Crummer

Year:

2012

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

Ecosystems. 15(1): 162-173

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Abstract

Permafrost soils are a significant global store of carbon (C) with the potential to become a large C source to the atmosphere. Climate change is causing permafrost to thaw, which can affect primary production and decomposition, therefore affecting ecosystem C balance. We modeled decadal and millennial soil C inputs, decomposition constants, and C accumulation rates by plotting cumulative C inventories against C ages based on radiocarbon dating of surface and deep soils, respectively, in subarctic tundra soils undergoing minimal, moderate, and extensive permafrost thaw near Eight Mile Lake in Healy, Alaska.

Keywords

permafrost thaw, carbon accumulation, net ecosystem production, radiocarbon, soil carbon inventory, carbon pools, tundra

Citation

Hicks Pries, Caitlin E.; Schuur, Edward A.G.; Crummer, K. Grace. 2012. Holocene carbon stocks and carbon accumulation rates altered in soils undergoing permafrost thaw. Ecosystems. 15(1): 162-173.