The MC2 model projects an overall increase in carbon capture in conterminous United States during the 21st century while also simulating a rise in fire causing much carbon loss. Carbon sequestration in soils is critical to prevent carbon losses from future disturbances, and we show that natural ecosystems store more carbon belowground than managed systems do. Natural and human-caused disturbances affect soil processes that shape ecosystem recovery and competitive interactions between native, exotics, and climate refugees. Tomorrow's carbon budgets will depend on how land use, natural disturbances, and climate variability will interact and affect the balance between carbon capture and release.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Title | Human footprint affects US carbon balance more than climate change |
| DOI | 10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.09770-0 |
| Authors | Dominique Bachelet, Ken Ferschweiler, Tim Sheehan, Barry Baker, Benjamin M. Sleeter, Zhiliang Zhu |
| Publication Type | Book Chapter |
| Publication Subtype | Book Chapter |
| Index ID | 70179853 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Western Geographic Science Center |