A new model of long-term, coupled dynamics of carbon and water in northern peatlands
Abstract
We present a new model that simulates coupled carbon and water dynamics of northern peatlands at an annual time step over time scales of decades to millennia. The Holocene Peatland Model (HPM) simulates peatland carbon and water dynamics as the net consequence of several interacting processes: (1) above- and below-ground vegetation NPP and litter production for bryophytes, woody and herbaceous plants; (2) aerobic and anaerobic litter/peat decomposition down the peat profile; (3) the dependence of peat physical and hydraulic properties on peat composition and degree of humification; and (4) peatland annual water balance, water table depth, and unsaturated zone water content. In this initial analysis, a simulation of long- term peat accumulation is compared against peat core data from a northern peatland in North America. The sensitivity of peatland carbon and water dynamics to climate variability are explored.
Department
Earth Sciences, Earth Systems Research Center
Publication Date
12-2008
Journal Title
EOS, Transactions American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting, Supplement
Publisher
American Geophysical Union Publications
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Recommended Citation
Frolking, S. and Roulet, N. (2008), A new model of long-term, coupled dynamics of carbon and water in northern peatlands, Eos Trans. AGU, 89(53), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract B13A-0423.