In situ carbon dioxide flux from Arctic tundra during freeze- up

Abstract

The relationship between soil temperature and CO₂ flux from undisturbed soil cores was examined during freeze-up of arctic tundra. Three habitats which dominate tundra topography, polygon trough, ridge and basin, produced significantly different amounts of CO₂ when soil temperatures were above 0 C. A significant positive correlation between soil temperatures between 10 to -7 C and CO₂ flux from each habitat was established. Substantial quantities of CO₂ were produced during freeze-up period when soil temperatures remained near 0 C for an extended period, and the CO₂ production continued at reduced levels as the soil temperature dropped below 0 C. When soil temperatures reached -7 C and the study was terminated, the CO₂ flux was reduced to a low level, but did not reach extinction. A maximum CO₂ flux of 2925 mg CO₂/m²/day from the trough habitat was observed when the soil temperature was 10 C, and the minimum CO₂ flux of 131 mg/m²/day was observed when the soil temperature was -7 C. These data are consistant with the hypothesis that soil microorganisms in arctic tundra are capable of physiological activity in the range of 0 to -7 C.