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Attribution of Net Carbon Change by Disturbance Type Across Forest Lands of the Conterminous United States

Summary/Abstract

This study presents an integrated assessment of carbon fluxes across US forest lands, attributing net carbon changes to various disturbances. Using a combination of satellite and inventory data, they find that US forests act as significant carbon sinks but face substantial losses from disturbances, particularly from timber harvests which are the predominant cause of carbon loss. The study’s findings underscore the complex interplay between forest growth and disturbances in carbon dynamics and point to the importance of sustainable forest management and conservation strategies. By providing a spatially detailed view of forest carbon changes, this research contributes valuable insights towards optimizing forest management for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.

Harris, N.L. et al. (2016). Attribution of net carbon change by disturbance type across forest lands of the conterminous United States. Carbon Balance and Management, 11, 24. DOI: 10.1186/s13021-016-0066-5

View Resource
November 2016
N.L. Harris, S.C. Hagen, S.S. Saatchi, T.R.H. Pearson, C.W. Woodall, G.M. Domke, B.H. Braswell, B.F. Walters, S. Brown, W. Salas, A. Fore, Y. Yu
Carbon Balance and Management
Peer-reviewed Study
Conterminous United States
Source Attribution
Source Attribution → Sectoral Emissions

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