The land surface encompassed by the boreal forest contains over one-third of the carbon stored in the world's terrestrial ecosystems. This large carbon pool largely resides in soils of the forests and wetlands found in this region, and is the result of the low rates of decomposition, which in turn, are due to the cold soil temperatures which lead to the formation of permafrost thoughout much of this region. While the soil layer of the entire boreal region is presently thought to act as a net atmospheric carbon sink, different regions are actually acting as either a carbon source or sink because of the influence of fire. Fire results in a dramatic warming of the ground layer for 15 to 30 years after a fire, which in turns results in an increase in soil decomposition and a net release of carbon to the atmosphere. Climate change will not only lead to increased rates of soil respiration, but it will also change the fire regime in this region. In this paper, we will explore the linkages between fire, climate change, and long-term carbon storage in the boreal forests of North America. A sensitivity model will be exercised which links patterns of carbon storage in boreal forests with changes in stand age distribution, which in turn, can be determined by fire frequency. We will illustrate how changes in climate and the fire regime can significantly reduce the amounts of carbon stored in the North American boreal forest.

Eric S. Kasischke
Environmental Research Institute of Michigan
P.O. Box 134001
Ann Arbor, MI 48113-4001
Phone: 313-994-1200 ext 2218
Fax: 313 994 5824
E-mail: erick@env.duke.edu