🌲 Arctic & Boreal Forests: A Carbon Storage Uncertainty

Two new studies led by University of Utah researchers address challenges in measuring biomass and carbon storage in Arctic and boreal regions of North America, which are warming faster than the global average.

These ecosystems have historically acted as carbon sinks but may become carbon sources due to increased wildfires, drought, and other disturbances.

Key Findings

Study 1: Which Dataset to Trust?

Liang et al., Environmental Research Letters — Compared nine satellite-based biomass datasets for Arctic and boreal North America.

• Found significant disagreement among datasets, with no single dataset universally accurate.
• The authors provide guidance on selecting datasets based on application (e.g., wildfire damage tracking vs. carbon budget estimation).

Study 2: A New High-Resolution Map

Liang et al., Remote Sensing of Environment — Developed a new high-resolution (30-meter) annual aboveground biomass map for the same region, covering 1984 to present.

• The dataset integrates Landsat imagery, airborne LiDAR, and forest inventory records from US and Canadian forest services.
• Detects disturbances as small as 30 meters, including wildfires, logging, and localized vegetation changes.

Why This Matters

Uncertainty in biomass measurements affects climate policy and greenhouse gas reporting, particularly in Canada and other nations relying on such data.

• The new dataset is publicly available and aims to improve detection of carbon storage changes.
• The studies challenge the assumption that warming will increase carbon uptake in northern forests; evidence suggests that increased stress from fires, drought, and pests may offset any growth gains.

What the Researchers Say

"There are so many datasets out there now, but there's very little guidance for users on how to choose among them."
— Wanwan Liang

"Different maps are better for different purposes."
— Jon Wang

"There's been this idea that northern forests will just keep taking up more carbon as it gets warmer. But we don't actually know if that's true."
— Jon Wang

Availability

Both studies are published in Environmental Research Letters and Remote Sensing of Environment, with the new biomass dataset made publicly available for researchers and policymakers worldwide.