Abstract
Understanding the role of terrestrial ecosystems in the global carbon (C) cycle has become increasingly important as policymakers consider options to address the issues associated with global change, particularly climate change. Sound scientific theories are critical in predicting how these systems may respond in the future, both to climate change and human actions.
In March 1993, 60 scientists from 13 nations gathered in Bad Harzburg, Germany, to develop a state-of-the-science assessment of the present and likely future C fluxes associated with the major components of the earth's terrestrial biosphere. In the process, particular emphasis was placed on the potential for improving C sinks and managing long-term C sequestration.
The majority of the week's work was conducted in eight working groups which independently considered a particular biome or subject area. The working groups considered: the Global Carbon Cycle; Boreal Forests and Tundra; Temperate Forests; Tropical Forests; Grasslands, Savannas and Deserts; Land and Water Interface Zones; Agroecosystems; and Biomass Management. This paper presents a brief overview of their major conclusions and findings. In addition, Table 1 brings together the best estimates from each group as to the current magnitude and estimated future direction of changes in the terrestrial C fluxes.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Apps, M.J., Kurz, W.A., Luxmoore, R.J., Nilsson, L.O., Sedjo, R.A., Schmidt, R., Simpson, L.G., and Vinson, T.S.: 1993, The Changing Role of Circumpolar Boreal Forests and Tundra in the Global Carbon Cycle, this volume.
Brown, S., Hall, C.A.S., Knabe, W., Raich, J., Trexler, M.C and Woomer, P.: 1993, Tropical Forests: Their Past, Present, and Potential Future Role in the Terrestrial Carbon Budget, this volume.
Cole, C.V., Flach, K., Lee, J., Saurbeck, D. and Stewart, B.: 1993, Agricultural Sources and Sinks of Carbon, this volume.
Downing, J.P., Twilley, R.R., Maybeck, M, Orr, J.C, Sharpenseel, H.W.: 1993, Land and Water Interface Zones, this volume.
Heath, L.S., Kauppi, P., Burschel, P., Gregor, H.D., Guderian, R., Kohlmaier, G.H., Lorenz, S., Overdieck, D., Scholz, F., Thomasius, H. and Weber, M.: 1993, Carbon Budget of Temperate Zone Forests, this volume.
Ojima, D.S., Dirks, B.O.M., Glenn, E.P., Owensby, CE, and Scurlock, J.M.O.: 1993, Assessment of C Budget for Grasslands and Drylands of the World, this volume.
Sampson, R.N., Wright, L.L., Winjum, J.K., Kinsman, J.D., Benneman, J., Kürsten, E., and Scurlock, J.M.O.: 1993, Biomass Management and Energy, this volume.
Smith, T.M., Cramer, W.P., Dixon, R.K., Leemans, R., Neilson, R.P. and Solomon, A.M.: 1993, The Global Terrestrial Carbon Cycle, this volume.
Wisniewski, J. and Lugo, A.E. (eds): 1992,Natural Sinks of CO2 (Special Edition ofWater, Air and Soil Pollution,64:1 & 2, Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 466 pp.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sampson, R.N., Apps, M., Brown, S. et al. Workshop summary statement: Terrestrial bioshperic carbon fluxesquantification of sinks and sources of CO2 . Water Air Soil Pollut 70, 3–15 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01104985
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01104985