Background
Canadian peatlands are integral to the global carbon cycle, functioning as substantial carbon sinks. However, they are also highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions. High-latitude regions are warming faster than the global average, creating conditions that promote increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from peat soils, further accelerating global climate change. Winter warming introduces significant uncertainty in predicting how seasonal carbon fluxes may shift under changing climatic conditions.
Activity Outline
- Assemble a dataset of peatland physical, hydrological, and biogeochemical properties
- Use a robust machine learning model to identify key environmental drivers and predict greenhouse gas emissions
- Investigate how peatlands in different regions respond to changes in seasonal dynamics
- Assess the impacts of environmental changes on peatland carbon and greenhouse gas exchange, focusing on the resilience of their carbon source or sink functions to shifting seasonal dynamics