VBEAM - Variability of Biogenic Emissions of Alkenes and Methyl Halides

University Of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA

Investigators

Abstract

The project will characterize the large spatial and temporal variability in the terrestrial fluxes of methyl halides and C2-C4 alkenes into the atmosphere. Field studies will be conducted to quantify ecosystem net fluxes from high emitting peatland pasture (Sherman Island) and temperate forest (Manitou Forest) ecosystems. The hypothesis that methyl halide and light alkene emissions from terrestrial ecosystems are predominantly biogenic and are strongly coupled to each other through the production of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) will be investigated. The results of the study will be incorporated into a regional and global emissions model that takes into account biological, physical and chemical driving factors of terrestrial biogenic emissions to the atmosphere. Methyl halides impact stratospheric ozone depletion, and light alkenes contribute to tropospheric ozone production. The biogenic emissions of these compounds, from sources such as plants, are a major contributor to organic aerosols that also affect air quality and climate.