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Climatic warming increases isoprene emission from a subarctic heath
Päivi Tiiva1, Patrick Faubert, Anders Michelsen
1Department of Environmental Science, University of Kuopio, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland. paivi.tiiva@uku.fi
The New Phytologist
|August 6, 2008
Summary
Subarctic heath warming significantly increases isoprene emissions, a reactive hydrocarbon. This suggests future climate change will amplify carbon loss from these sensitive ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
- Climate Change Science
Background:
- Isoprene emissions from Subarctic vegetation are poorly understood.
- Arctic regions face amplified climatic warming, potentially increasing isoprene release.
- Simulating warming and shrub expansion is crucial for predicting ecosystem responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify isoprene emissions from Subarctic heath under simulated climate warming.
- To assess the impact of increased air temperature and shrub litter on isoprene release.
- To understand the implications for carbon cycling in Subarctic ecosystems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the dynamic chamber method for direct measurement of isoprene emissions.
- Implemented experimental warming (3-4°C) and mountain birch litter addition over 7-8 years.
- Conducted measurements on a mixed-species wet heath ecosystem.
Main Results:
- Experimental warming significantly increased isoprene emissions by 56-83% over two years.
- Litter addition did not have a significant effect on isoprene emissions.
- Warming led to a significant decrease in net ecosystem CO2 exchange in the second year.
- Isoprene emissions from heath were comparable to those from peatlands.
Conclusions:
- Subarctic heath ecosystems are a notable source of isoprene, comparable to peatlands.
- Climatic warming is a key driver that will increase isoprene emissions from these systems.
- Increased isoprene emissions due to warming represent a significant carbon loss pathway.
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