Boreal forests are unique ecosystems that play a critical role in global carbon and water cycles. These areas are characterized by a mosaic of different land cover types, including densely treed permafrost plateaus and sparsely treed permafrost-free wetlands. A recent study by Nia Perron and Dr. Jennifer Baltzer from Wilfrid Laurier University, and Dr. Oliver Sonnentag from Université de Montréal highlights the importance of accurately measuring transpiration rates across these various land cover types. The study found significant spatial variations in daily transpiration across the boreal forest landscape, with permafrost plateaus exhibiting the highest levels of daily transpiration compared to permafrost-free wetlands.
Precisely quantifying the relative contribution of tree transpiration to ecosystem evapotranspiration is crucial for predicting changes in water and carbon cycling in boreal forests. These findings provide insights for understanding the mechanisms behind forest evapotranspiration and how it may change under future climate conditions.
Access the full paper at: https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.14815
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