Research on the carbon cycle in terrestrial ecosystems

Understanding the dynamics of emission and absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2 fluxes) in terrestrial ecosystems and the response of those CO2 fluxes for environmental parameters are important for precise prediction for future climate change . To contribute a better understanding of those points, we are engaged in the following research topics.

1. Study on the spatio temporal variation of CO2 fluxes in a coastal dune ecosystem in Tottori
   Globally, information for the dynamics of CO2 fluxes in coastal dune ecosystems is totally limited. We are monitoring for the spatio temporal variation of soil CO2 efflux and CO2 absorption by beach plants in a coastal dune ecosystem in Tottori.
   In addition, we are examining the response of those CO2 fluxes for environmental parameters like soil temperature and soil moisture.
2. Study on the influence of long term artificial soil warming on the decomposition of soil organic carbon
   We are conducting an artificial soil warming experiment in an evergreen broad leaved forest in Higashi Hiroshima as collaborative research with the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan. In this study, we are analyzing the rate of increase of soil CO2 efflux (decomposition of soil organic carbon) due to long term soil warming treatment. This experiment has been supported by the Environment Research and Technology Development Fund (Grant No. 2 2006) of the Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency of Japan.

Principal Investigator:Munemasa Teramoto (Arid Land Research Center)