Decadal changes in the type and extent of Wetlands in Alaska using L-band SAR data — A preliminary analysis

Abstract

Northern peatlands are estimated to hold about 30 % of the total global pool of soil carbon or 13 % of the total terrestrial carbon in the biosphere [1]. The warmer, drier conditions being experienced throughout the Arctic appear to be accelerating both aerobic and anaerobic decomposition of northern peatland soils, thereby increasing emissions of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) [2]. If continued, this trend could cause northern peatlands to become major sources of atmospheric carbon, with existing models predicting large increases in CH4 emissions as CO2 levels continue to rise [3]. To better understand sources, sinks, and net fluxes of atmospheric CO2 and CH4 validated high-resolution maps of the extent and distribution of northern wetlands are needed [4].