Long-term measurements of CO<sub>2</sub> flux and evapotranspiration in a Chihuahuan desert grassland

TitleLong-term measurements of CO2 flux and evapotranspiration in a Chihuahuan desert grassland
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsMielnick P., Dugas W.A., Mitchell K.A, Havstad K
JournalJournal of Arid Environments
Volume60
Pagination423-436
Date PublishedSeptember 24, 20
ARIS Log Number216256
KeywordsBouteloua eriopoda, carbon exchange, CO2 flux, desert grassland, evapotranspiration
AbstractWe measured CO2 and evapotranspiration (ET) fluxes above a Chihuahuan desert grassland from 1996 through 2001. Averaged across six years, this ecosystem was a source (positive flux) of CO2 in every month. Over that period, sustained periods of carbon uptake (negative flux) were rare. Averaged across all months, we estimated that CO2 was being released into the atmosphere at a rate of +1.5 g CO2 m-2 d-1 (+0.40 g Cm-2 d-1) or +533 g CO2m-2 yr-1 (+145.3 g Cm-2 yr -1). Average ET was 299mm yr -1 with a monthly range of 0.15mm d-1 in December to 2.15mm d-1 in August.
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