The response of terrestrial c storage to climate change: Modeling C dynamics at varying temporal and spatial scales

The response of terrestrial C storage to GCM derived climate change scenarios was investigated over a range of temporal and spatial scales. The potential changes in the global distribution of major ecosystem complexes were examined by combining changes in land cover and corresponding soil type with C storage estimates for each of the ecosystem types. All scenarios consistently showed an overall increase in global carbon storage. On a more regional basis, the potential impacts of climate change on the structure, composition and biomass dynamics of major forest types within the North American Boreal zone were investigated using individual based stand models. Biomass fluxes were found to be dependent on the tree species, site and GCM parameters. A method to simulate corresponding changes in intra- and interannual patterns of CO₂ flux by combining a gap model with an ecosystem model which incorporates photosynthesis, respiration (both canopy and decomposer) and transpiration is demonstrated.