Title: The influence of system heterogeneity on peat-surface temperature dynamics
Citation: Leonard, R., Moore, P., Krause, S., Devito, K.J., Petrone, R., Mendoza, C., Waddington, J.M., & Kettridge, N. (2021). The influence of system heterogeneity on peat-surface temperature dynamics. Environmental Research Letters: https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/abd4ff
Study Site: central Alberta
Purpose: Temperatures at the soil–atmosphere interface influence ecosystem function by driving nonlinear terrestrial biogeochemical, ecohydrological, and micrometeorological processes. Whilst climate, soil and vegetation controls on spatially average ecosystem temperatures are recognised, how interacting and heterogeneous ecosystem layers create spatio-temporal complex thermal ecosystems has not been determined. Such thermal hot spots and hot moments may underpin the capability of ecosystems to support biological and biogeochemical diversity and control the likelihood of tipping points in system-regulating feedbacks being locally exceeded. This is of notable importance in peatlands, where soil temperatures control the storage of their associated globally important carbon stocks. Here, through the application of high spatio-temporal resolution surface temperature data and peat thermal modelling, we assess the impact of system heterogeneity (spatio-temporal impact of the following system layers: tree, shrubs, microtopography, groundcover species and sub-surface ice) on surface temperature regimes.
Abstract: Soil temperature data for a peatland in central Alberta, data collected from May to June 2015
Supplemental Information Summary: All data that support the findings of this study are included within the article (and any supplementary files).
Research:
Further Info: Leonard, R., Moore, P., Krause, S., Devito, K.J., Petrone, R., Mendoza, C., Waddington, J.M., & Kettridge, N. (2021). The influence of system heterogeneity on peat-surface temperature dynamics. Environmental Research Letters: https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/abd4ff
Status: Complete
Keywords:
soil carbon,
peat properties,
thermal dynamics,
microtopography,
fen,
Geographical coordinates: North: 55.81, South: 55.81 East: -115.11 West: -115.11
Bounding Temporal Extent: Start Date: 2015-05-21, End
Date: 2015-06-03
