Uncertainties of a Regional Terrestrial Biota Full Carbon Account: A Systems Analysis

Abstract

Abstract. We discuss the background and methods for estimating uncertainty in establishing a regional, terrestrial biota Full Carbon Account (FCA) in a holistic manner utilizing our experiences in generating such an account for vast regions in Northern Eurasia (at national and macro regional levels). For such an analysis, it is important to (1) provide a full account; (2) consider the relevance of a verified account taking in mind a further transition to a certified account; (3) understand that any FCA is a fuzzy system; as well as (4) understanding that a comprehensive assessment of uncertainties requires multiple harmonizing and combining system constraints of results received by different methods. An important result of this analysis is the conclusion that only a relevant integration of inventory, process based models and measurements in situ generate sufficient prerequisites for a verified FCA. We show that use of integrated methodology, at the current level of knowledge and system combination of available information, allows a verified FCA for large regions of the Northern hemisphere that could be realized for present and recent periods.

Soil contribution to carbon budget of Russian forests

“…They include lack of strict spatial and temporal planning of sampling inventories, not completely compatible definitions of parameters and protocols of measurements, completeness of accounting for major drivers and processes, errors of models used, limitations in understanding of the processes that control pool sizes and fluxes, lack of informative and solid gradients for upscaling etc. (Birdsey & Heath, 1995;Nilsson et al, 2007;.…”

Prior to Economic Treatment of Emissions and Their Uncertainties Under the Kyoto Protocol: Scientific Uncertainties That Must Be Kept in Mind

“…In this section we look at carbon emissions, the verification of which is particularly difficult Bergamaschi, Behrend, & Jol, 2004, pp. 3−5;Nilsson et al, 2007). It requires, following science-theoretical standards, the adoption of an approach that takes an atmospheric view ("what matters is what the atmosphere sees") and is complete -leaving no unverified residues (see Fig.…”

“…2, 6-7;Shvidenko & Nilsson, 2003, Section 2). FGA simply extends the definition of FCA to include other relevant GHGs (Nilsson et al, 2007, Section 1). However, a clear agreement on which gases are included is still outstanding.…”

Non-Parametric Retrieval of Aboveground Biomass in Siberian Boreal Forests with ALOS PALSAR Interferometric Coherence and Backscatter Intensity

“…Russia, as the country with the largest forested area in the world (809 million ha [2]), provided more than 90% of the carbon sink of the world's boreal forests between the years 2000 and 2007 [3]. Despite this importance, Russia's boreal forest has the highest uncertainty in carbon stock calculations [4,5]. This is mostly due to poor measurements of biomass stocks, forest degradation, deforestation, and forest growth.…”