Gaseous Carbon Emissions (Methane and Carbon Dioxide) from Wetland Soils in a Re-created Everglades Landscape

Authors

Bradley R. Schonhoff, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Environmental Studies

First Advisor's Name

Leonard J. Scinto

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

René M. Price

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

John S. Kominoski

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Thomas W. Dreschel

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

Methane, Carbon Dioxide, Emissions, Efflux, Everglades, Wetland, Pore-water, Peat

Date of Defense

11-12-2015

Abstract

Reducing the rates of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is critical in combatting global climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) are the two most important carbon-based GHGs, for their atmospheric warming potential. Wetlands such as the Florida Everglades play major roles in the global carbon cycle, as varying hydrologic conditions lead to differential production rates of these two GHGs. This study measured CO₂ and CH₄ emissions in a re-created Everglades ridge-and-slough wetland, where water levels were controlled to reflect natural flood patterns. As expected, lower elevations were flooded longer and produced more CH₄, while higher elevations produced more CO₂. Since CH₄ has a relatively high global warming potential, CO₂ production would need to be 70 times that of CH₄, to balance their GHG output. The average ratio of CO₂ to CH₄ across elevations was 22.0 (mol:mol), indicating that future water management within wetlands should consider GHG production potential.

Identifier

FIDC000188

Recommended Citation

Schonhoff, Bradley R., "Gaseous Carbon Emissions (Methane and Carbon Dioxide) from Wetland Soils in a Re-created Everglades Landscape" (2015). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2289.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2289