Seminar: Northern Peatlands: Small but Mighty Players in Global Biogeochemistry
Dr. Liam Heffernan, Postdoctoral Researcher, Uppsala University
Friday, February 26th, 2021
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Via Zoom
ABSTRACT:
Since their development in the early-mid Holocene, northern peatlands have acted as a significant net sink of atmospheric carbon (C). This has led to the slow but steady accumulation of soil organic C, resulting in a globally significant store of soil C. The accumulation of C in northern peatlands is a fine balance, driven by slow rates of anaerobic decomposition exceeded by rates of plant growth. Furthermore, vast areas of northern peatlands are underlain by permafrost, perennially frozen ground, which has locked up this soil organic C. Increasing northern air temperatures and risk of disturbances, such as fire, have the potential to destabilize the fine C balance in northern peatlands, potentially turning these globally important net sinks of atmospheric C into sources. In this talk, we will explore the fundamentals of peatland biogeochemistry and discover how all the C got there in the first place. By knowing why they have historically have been such important C sinks may allow us to better understand how they will respond to the impacts of climate change.
BIO:
Dr. Liam Heffernan received his Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Alberta in 2020. His Ph.D. work focused on carbon cycling in boreal peatlands, and the impact permafrost thaw has on the vast carbon stores found in these ecosystems. He has experience studying the impact of global climate change on soil biogeochemical cycling in the temperate peatlands of northern and western Europe, Alpine meadows and grasslands, boreal peatlands, and arctic tundra soils. His current focus is on the controls and mechanisms of organic matter decomposition as it moves from terrestrial ecosystems into freshwater, and eventually to the marine environment. He is particularly keen on both peatlands and permafrost ecosystems, and how increased disturbances will impact their role as carbon sinks.
ALL ARE WELCOME!