NGEE Arctic
Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments
Advancing the predictive power of Earth system models through understanding
of the structure and function of Arctic terrestrial ecosystems
Wetland CH4 Flux Temperature Hysteresis Explained by Substrate Availability and Microbial Activity
Wetland CH4 Flux Temperature Hysteresis Explained by Substrate Availability and Microbial Activity
To demonstrate that static temperature relations cannot accurately predict wetland CH4 production and emission rates due to substrate-mediated microbial and abiotic interactions.
This study ran the ecosys model across Alaskan and Swedish sites to examine mechanisms leading to the observed apparent CH4 emission hysteresis to temperature.
Substantial intra-seasonal variations in apparent CH4 emission temperature dependence are observed and modeled in Alaskan (Utqiaġvik) and Swedish tundra, challenging the fixed temperature relations prescribed in most terrestrial BGC models. The findings demonstrate the uncertainty of inferring CH4 emission or production rates from temperature alone and highlight the need to represent microbial and abiotic interactions in wetland biogeochemical models.