Estimates of gross and net fluxes of carbon between the biosphere and the atmosphere from biomass burning

Abstract

In order to estimate the production of charcoal and the atmospheric emissions of trace gases volatilized by burning we have estimated the global amounts of biomass which are affected by fires. We have roughly calculated annual gross burning rates ranging between about 5 Pg and 9 Pg (1 Pg = 10

Forest Fires And Remote Sensing

“…The adjustment of the measurements is carried out by introducing the combustion efficiency coefficients of this particular gas. This procedure was first proposed by Seiler and Crutzen (1980), who estimated CO emissions according to the following indirect parameters: i) burned land cover area (m 2 ), ii) above-ground biomass density of burned area (kg-dry-matter/m 2 ), iii) burning efficiency of the above-ground biomass (that is, the fraction of biomass burned) dimensionless, and iv) the emission factor (g of CO [kg dry matter] -1 ), which varies according to the type of vegetation and ecosystem. Note that many errors arise, from this indirect procedure, due to the uncertainty in the coefficients and, especially, in the biomass estimation, which is the main quantitative parameter.…”

A simulation study for the global carbon cycle, including man's impact on the biosphere

“…Only in human area and in the tundra/semi-desert ecosystems is the vegetation sparse and may a positive feedback between NPP and biomass exist. In the most important ecosystems no coupling is necessary so that the simple, linear differential equations can be used (Seiler and Crutzen, 1980). Moreover, 0.5 of the stems remains as unburnt wood on the fields.…”

“…We used data of Seiler and Crutzen (1980) (Breman et al, 1982). Climatic changes are certainly not responsable for the apparent desertification, but rather soil degradation, erosion and overgrazing.…”

Untitled

“…(e) The idea that the formation of charcoal during forest clearing and burning has sequestered significant amounts of carbon (Seiler and Crutzen, 1980) has been examined by Houghton et al (1983); charcoal formation reduced the amount of CO, released due to forest clearing by only about 3 % over the period 1860 to 1980. Seiler and Crutzen's argument leads to a very high portion of the soil organic matter pool being elemental carbon.…”

“…This has led some scientists to argue that fire suppression has led to a net accumulation of carbon (e.g.. Seiler and Crutzen, 1980). Two lines of evidence can be used to counter this argument.…”