Integrating circuit theory and network modeling to identify ecosystem carbon sequestration service flow networks

Current methods for mapping ecosystem service flows often fail to accurately capture the diverse biogeographical environments associated with these service flows when visualizing the structural features of ecosystem service flow networks. Taking the provinces of Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang in China as examples, we combined circuit theory and network model approaches to map ecosystem carbon sequestration service flow networks. We examined how network structure influences differences in the supply and demand for carbon sequestration services. Combining circuit theory and network models can be used to effectively map the flow of carbon sequestration services in ecosystems, showcasing its ability to represent these processes. From 2000 to 2020, the disparity between the supply and demand of carbon sequestration services has consistently grown, accompanied by a growing spatial imbalance in the distribution of supply and demand areas. The supply sources of carbon sequestration services have significantly declined while the demand sources have steadily increased. The length of the carbon flow corridors decreased sharply before stabilizing. There has been a continuous increase in the number of deficit nodes and disrupted edges within carbon sequestration service flow networks. The response of carbon sequestration services to landscape patterns and network topology indicators showed a nonlinear relationship, exhibiting a threshold effect. The findings have provided strategic insights for allocating and managing carbon resources at the regional level.