An observational study of the carbon-sink strength of East Asian subtropical evergreen forests
Journal
Environmental Research Letters
Journal Volume
7
Journal Issue
4
Pages
044017
Date Issued
2012-10
Author(s)
Zheng-Hong Tan
Abstract
Relatively little is known about the effects of regional warming on the carbon cycle of subtropical evergreen forest ecosystems, which are characterized by year-round growing season and cold winters. We investigated the carbon balance in three typical East Asia subtropical evergreen forests, using eddy flux, soil respiration and leaf-level measurements. Subtropical evergreen forests maintain continuous, high rates of photosynthetic activity, even during winter cold periods. Warm summers enhance photosynthetic rates in a limited way, because overall ecosystem productivity is primarily restrained by radiation levels during the warm period. Conversely, warm climates significantly enhance the respiratory carbon efflux. The finding of lower sensitivity of photosynthesis relative to that of respiration suggests that increased temperature will weaken the carbon-sink strength of East Asia subtropical evergreen forests. © 2012 IOP Publishing Ltd.
Subjects
carbon balance; eddy flux; photosynthesis; respiration; soil chamber; temperature sensitivity
Other Subjects
Climate change; Ecosystems; Forestry; Photosynthesis; Tropics; Carbon balance; Eddy fluxes; respiration; Soil chamber; Temperature sensitivity; Carbon; carbon balance; carbon sink; eddy; evergreen forest; forest ecosystem; photosynthesis; soil respiration; soil temperature; subtropical region; Photosynthesis; Respiration; Seasonal Variation; Soil; Temperature; Tropics; Far East
Type
journal article