Analysis and synthesis of carbon dynamics on Amazon floodplains

John Melack, University of California, melack@lifesci.ucsb.edu (Presenter)
Conrado Rudorff, University of California, cmr@bren.ucsb.edu
Thiago Silva, INPE, thiago@ltid.inpe.br
Bruce Forsberg, INPA, brforsberg@gmail.com
Sally MacIntyre, University of California, sally@icess.ucsb.edu
Laura Hess, University of Calfornia, lauralhess@gmail.com

Our research on the ecology, hydrology and biogeochemistry of Amazon wetlands integrates multi-temporal, multi-scale analyses of inundation and aquatic vegetation dynamics with measurements and modeling of carbon dynamics of wetland systems. We are examining the coverage and productivity of aquatic herbaceous macrophytes as sources of organic carbon, temporal and spatial variations in evasion of carbon dioxide and methane from floodplains, reservoirs and interfluvial wetlands, and integration of our regional studies into a broad conceptual consideration of remote sensing as a way to expand ecosystem studies. Based on measurements in Lake Curuai, a large floodplain lake in the lower Amazon basin, made during the four hydrological phases of inundation and draining, we illustrate the spatial patterns associated with proximity to the shore and to inflows. Carbon dioxide exchange with the atmosphere was calculated based on three gas exchange models. Values computed using equations based on wind and buoyancy flux averaged 85% higher than those based only on wind.

Presentation Type:  Poster

Session:  Coupled Processes at Land-Atmosphere-Ocean Interfaces   (Mon 4:00 PM)

Associated Project(s): 

• Melack, John: Analysis and synthesis of carbon dynamics on Amazon floodplains. ...details

Poster Location ID: 55