The global terrestrial carbon cycle

Thomas M. Smith (1) , Wolfgang Cramer (2) , R. Dixon (3) , Rik Leemans (4) , R. Neilson (5) , Allen M. Solomon (3)

1 University of Virginia
2 PIK - Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
3 EPA - US Environmental Protection Agency
4 National Institute for Public Health and Environmental Protection
5 USDA Forest Service-Pacific Northwest Research Station

There is great uncertainty with regard to the future role of the terrestrial biosphere in the global carbon cycle. The uncertainty arises from both an inadequate understanding of current pools and fluxes as well as the potential effects of rising atmospheric concentrations of CO2 on natural ecosystems. Despite these limitations, a number of studies have estimated current and future patterns of terrestrial carbon storage. Future estimates focus on the effects of a climate change associated with a doubled atmospheric concentration of CO2. Available models for examining the dynamics of terrestrial carbon storage and the potential role of forest management and land use practices on carbon conservation and sequestration are discussed.

Domains: Environmental Sciences

Thomas M. Smith, Wolfgang Cramer, R. Dixon, Rik Leemans, R. Neilson, et al.. The global terrestrial carbon cycle. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 1993, 70 (1-4), pp.19-37. ⟨10.1007/BF01104986⟩. ⟨hal-01788303⟩