Contemporary and projected biogenic fluxes of methane and nitrous oxide in North American terrestrial ecosystems. Issue 10 (1st December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tian, Hanqin; Lu, Chaoqun; Chen, Guangsheng; Tao, Bo; Pan, Shufen; Grosso, Stephen J Del; Xu, Xiaofeng; Bruhwiler, Lori; Wofsy, Steven C; Kort, Eric A; Prior, Stephen A
• Is Part Of: Frontiers in ecology and the environment. Volume 10:Issue 10(2012)
• Page Start: 528
• Page End: 536
• Publication Date: 2012-12-01
• Subjects: Ecology -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Ecology; Environmental sciences; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1890/120057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1540-9295

Abstract

Abstract : Accurately estimating biogenic methane (CH4 ) and nitrous oxide (N2 O) fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems is critical for resolving global budgets of these greenhouse gases (GHGs) and continuing to mitigate climate warming. Here, we assess contemporary biogenic CH4 and N2 O budgets and probable climate‐change‐related impacts on CH4 and N2 O emissions in terrestrial North America. Multi‐approach estimations show that, during 1990–2010, biogenic CH4 emissions ranged from 0.159 to 0.502 petagrams of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) equivalents per year (Pg CO2 eq yr −1, where 1 Pg = 1 × 10 15 g) and N2 O emissions ranged from 0.802 to 1.016 Pg CO2 eq yr −1, which offset 47–166% of terrestrial CO2 sequestration (0.915–2.040 Pg CO2 eq yr −1, as indicated elsewhere in this Special Issue). According to two future climate scenarios, CH4 and N2 O emissions are projected to continue increasing by 137–151% and 157–227%, respectively, by the end of this century, as compared with levels during 2000–2010. Strategies to mitigate climate change must account for non‐CO2 GHG emissions, given their substantial warming potentials.