Recent above-ground biomass changes in central Chukotka (Russian Far East) using field sampling and Landsat satellite data

• Main Authors: I. Shevtsova, U. Herzschuh, B. Heim, L. Schulte, S. Stünzi, L. A. Pestryakova, E. S. Zakharov, S. Kruse
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Copernicus Publications 2021-06-01
• Series: Biogeosciences
• Online Access: https://bg.copernicus.org/articles/18/3343/2021/bg-18-3343-2021.pdf

<p>Upscaling plant biomass distribution and dynamics is essential for estimating carbon stocks and carbon balance. In this respect, the Russian Far East is among the least investigated sub-Arctic regions despite its known vegetation sensitivity to ongoing warming. We representatively harvested above-ground biomass (AGB; separated by dominant taxa) at 40 sampling plots in central Chukotka. We used ordination to relate field-based taxa projective cover and Landsat-derived vegetation indices. A general additive model was used to link the ordination scores to AGB. We then mapped AGB for paired Landsat-derived time slices (i.e. 2000/2001/2002 and 2016/2017), in four study regions covering a wide vegetation gradient from closed-canopy larch forests to barren alpine tundra. We provide AGB estimates and changes in AGB that were previously lacking for central Chukotka at a high spatial resolution and a detailed description of taxonomical contributions. Generally, AGB in the study region ranges from 0 to 16 kg m<span class="inline-formula">⁻²</span>, with Cajander larch providing the highest contribution. Comparison of changes in AGB within the investigated period shows that the greatest changes (up to 1.25 kg m<span class="inline-formula">⁻²</span> yr<span class="inline-formula">⁻¹</span>) occurred in the northern taiga and in areas where land cover changed to larch closed-canopy forest. As well as the notable changes, increases in AGB also occur within the land-cover classes. Our estimations indicate a general increase in total AGB throughout the investigated tundra–taiga and northern taiga, whereas the tundra showed no evidence of change in AGB.</p>