Science and Engineering at The University of Edinburgh |
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Biospheric Sources and Sinks of Carbon dioxide and Other Trace Gases
The exchange of carbon dioxide and other trace gases between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere affects both global warming and the state of the stratospheric ozone layer. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), all of which have substantial biogenic sources, are key greenhouse gases identified in the Kyoto Protocol.
The first two of these also have important terrestrial sinks. Nitrous oxide is also responsible for ozone depletion, as are halogen compounds such as methyl bromide, that are partially of biospheric origin.
Our research programme in this field is focused, in particular, on
(a) The measurement and modelling of direct and indirect emissions of nitrous oxide from agricultural soils
(b) The emission and mitigation of methane from wetlands, and the microbial uptake of methane by aerobic soils
(c) Gains and losses of carbon dioxide by soils, and the overall balance of greenhouse gases (including N2O and methane) associated with different land uses
(d) Emissions of halogenated compounds from soils and vegetation
(e) The development of instrumental techniques and automated procedures for measuring trace gases
Key people: David Reay, Keith Smith, Kate Heal, Mathew Heal, John Moncrieff
Current Projects
1. Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (iREDD) and importance of non-CO2 greenhouse gas fluxes. (2011-2016, funded by EU)
2. Methane emissions from vegetation. (2008-2011, funded by NERC).
3. Emissions of methyl bromide from terrestrial ecosystems
4. Establishment of the UK's only tall tower system for measuring a range of greenhouse gases and radon at the national scale (funded by EU)