The
Siberian permafrost carbon stock has been studied using a newly developed soil
model, which takes into account soil freezing/thawing and organic matter
decomposition in the form of soil respiration and methanogenesis. The results show that the soil
response to a rapid external warming can be a self-sustaining process involving
permafrost melting, deep-soil
respiration with associated heat generation,
and methanogenesis. Most of the soil carbon is thus consumed until there is not
enough of it to feed intense respiration and/or methanogenesis. This behavior
is manifested only at sufficiently warm climate established after the warming.
Carbon consumption in the extremely carbon-rich
Yedoma Ice Complex region appears to be moderate due to cold climatic
conditions.
Author: D.V. Khvorostyanov, G. Krinner, P. Ciais, et al (Philippe dot Ciais at cea dot fr)
Filesize: 64.11 Kb