scholarly journals Uptake and emission of VOCs near ground level below a mixed forest at Borden, Ontario

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 4505-4535
Author(s):  
M. Gordon ◽  
A. Vlasenko ◽  
R. M. Staebler ◽  
C. Stroud ◽  
P. A. Makar ◽  
...  

Abstract. Understanding of the atmosphere/forest canopy exchange of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) requires insight into deposition, emission, and chemical reactions of VOCs below the canopy. Currently, uncertainties in canopy processes, such as stomatal uptake, deposition, and sub-canopy chemistry, make it difficult to derive biogenic VOC emission inventories from canopy VOC concentration gradients. Between 18 July and 9 August 2009, VOCs were measured with proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) at 6 heights between 1 and 6 m beneath a 23 m high mixed-forest canopy. Measured VOCs included methanol, isoprene, acetone, methacrolein + methyl vinyl ketone (MACR+MVK), monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. There are pronounced differences in the behaviour of isoprene and its by-products and that of the terpenes. Non-terpene fluxes are predominantly downward. In contrast, the terpene fluxes are significantly upward. A 1-dimensional canopy model was used to compare results to measurements with and without surface deposition of isoprene and MACR+MVK and emissions of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Results suggest deposition velocities of 27 mm s−1 for isoprene and 12 mm s−1 for MACR+MVK and daytime surface emission rates of 63 μg m−2 h−1 for monoterpenes. The modelled isoprene surface deposition is approximately 2% of the canopy top isoprene emissions and the modelled emissions of monoterpenes comprise approximately 15 to 27% of the canopy-top monoterpene emissions to the atmosphere. These results suggest that surface monoterpene emissions are significant for forest canopy/atmosphere exchange for this mixed forest location and surface uptake is relatively small for all the species measured in this study.

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (17) ◽  
pp. 9087-9097 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gordon ◽  
A. Vlasenko ◽  
R. M. Staebler ◽  
C. Stroud ◽  
P. A. Makar ◽  
...  

Abstract. Understanding of the atmosphere/forest canopy exchange of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) requires insight into the deposition, emission, and chemical reactions of VOCs below the canopy. Between 18 July and 9 August 2009, VOCs were measured with proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) at six heights between 1 and 6 m beneath a 23 m high mixed-forest canopy. Measured VOCs included methanol, isoprene, acetone, methacrolein and methyl vinyl ketone (MACR + MVK), monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. There are pronounced differences in the behaviour of isoprene and its by-products and that of the terpenes. Non-terpene mixing ratios increase with height, suggesting predominantly downward fluxes. In contrast, the terpene mixing ratios decrease with height, suggesting upward fluxes. A 1-D canopy model was used to compare results to measurements with and without surface deposition of isoprene and MACR + MVK and emissions of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Results suggest deposition velocities of 2.7 mm s−1 for isoprene and 1.2 mm s−1 for MACR + MVK and daytime surface emission rates of 63 μg m−2 h−1 for monoterpenes. The modelled isoprene surface deposition is approximately 2% of the canopy-top isoprene emissions and the modelled emissions of monoterpenes comprise approximately 15 to 27% of the canopy-top monoterpene emissions to the atmosphere. These results suggest that surface monoterpene emissions are significant for forest canopy/atmosphere exchange for this mixed-forest location and surface uptake is relatively small for all the species measured in this study.


2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 17225-17261 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.-C. Genard-Zielinski ◽  
C. Boissard ◽  
C. Fernandez ◽  
C. Kalogridis ◽  
J. Lathière ◽  
...  

Abstract. We aimed at quantifying Biogenic Volatiles Organic Compounds (BVOC) emissions in June from three Mediterranean species located at the O3HP site (Southern France): Quercus pubescens, Acer monspessulanum and C. coggygria (for isoprene only). As Q. pubescens was shown to be the main BVOC emitter with isoprene representing ≈ 99% of the carbon emitted as BVOC, we mainly focused on this species. C. coggygria was found to be a non-isoprene emitter (no other BVOC were investigated). To fully understand both the canopy effect on Q. pubescens isoprene emission and the inter-individual variability (tree to tree and within canopy), diurnal variations of isoprene were investigated from nine branches (seven branches located to the top of canopy at ≈ 4 m Above Ground Level, and two inside the canopy at ≈ 2 m a.g.l.). Q. pubescens daily mean isoprene emission rates (ERd) fluctuated between 23.1 and 97.7 μg C gDM−1 h−1 and were exponentially correlated with net assimilation (Pn). Q. pubescens daily mean Pn ranged between 5.4 and 13.8, and 2.8 and 6.4 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 for sunlit and shaded branches respectively. Both ERd and isoprene emission factors (Is) assessed according to Guenther et al. (1993) algorithm, varied by a factor of 4 among the sunlit branches. While sunlit branches ERm was clearly higher than for shaded branches, there was an non-significant variability on Is (58.5 to 76.5 μg C gDM−1 h−1). Diurnal variations of isoprene emission rates (ER) for sunlit branches were also investigated. ER were detected at dawn 2 h after Pn became positive and, exponentially dependent on Pn. Diurnal variations of ER were not equally well described along the day by temperature (CT) and light (CL) parameters according to G93 algorithm. Temperature had more impact than PAR in the morning emission increase. ER was no more correlated to CL × CT between solar noon (maximum ER) and mid-afternoon, possibly due to thermal stress of the plant. A comparison between measured and calculated emissions using two isoprene algorithms (G93 and MEGAN) highlighted the difficulty in assessing isoprene emissions under Mediterranean environmental conditions with current isoprene models.


2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 28565-28633
Author(s):  
K. A. McKinney ◽  
B. H. Lee ◽  
A. Vasta ◽  
T. V. Pho ◽  
J. W. Munger

Abstract. Fluxes of biogenic volatile organic compounds, including isoprene, monoterpenes, and oxygenated VOCs measured above a mixed forest canopy in western Massachusetts during the 2005 and 2007 growing seasons are reported. Measurements were made using proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and converted to fluxes using the disjunct eddy covariance technique. Isoprene was by far the predominant BVOC emitted at this site, with summer mid-day average fluxes of 5.3 and 4.4 mg m−2 h−1 in 2005 and 2007, respectively. In comparison, mid-day average fluxes of monoterpenes were 0.21 and 0.15 mg m−2 h−1 in each of these years. On short times scales (days), the diel pattern in emission rate compared well with a standard emission algorithm for isoprene. The general shape of the seasonal cycle and the observed decrease in isoprene emission rate in early September was, however, not well captured by the model. Monoterpene emission rates exhibited dependence on light as well as temperature, as determined from the improved fit to the observations obtained by including a light-dependent term in the model. The mid-day average flux of methanol from the canopy was 0.14 mg m−2 h−1 in 2005 and 0.19 mg m−2 h−1 in 2007, but the maximum flux was observed in spring (29 May 2007), when the flux reached 1.0 mg m−2 h−1. This observation is consistent with enhanced methanol production during leaf expansion. Summer mid-day fluxes of acetone were 0.15 mg m−2 h−1 during a short period in 2005, but only 0.03 mg m−2 h−1 averaged over 2007. Episodes of negative fluxes of oxygenated VOCs, particularly acetone, were observed periodically, especially in 2007. Thus, deposition within the canopy could help explain the low season-averaged flux of acetone in 2007. Fluxes of species of biogenic origin at mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios of 73 (0.05 mg m−2 h−1 in 2005; 0.03 mg m−2 h−1 in 2007) and 153 (5 μg m−2 h−1 in 2007), possibly corresponding to methyl ethyl ketone and an oxygenated terpene, respectively, were also observed.


2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 4807-4831 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. McKinney ◽  
B. H. Lee ◽  
A. Vasta ◽  
T. V. Pho ◽  
J. W. Munger

Abstract. Fluxes of biogenic volatile organic compounds, including isoprene, monoterpenes, and oxygenated VOCs measured above a mixed forest canopy in central Massachusetts during the 2005 and 2007 growing seasons are reported. Mixing ratios were measured using proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and fluxes computed by the disjunct eddy covariance technique. Isoprene was by far the predominant BVOC emitted at this site, with summer mid-day average fluxes of 5.3 and 4.4 mg m−2 hr−1 in 2005 and 2007, respectively. In comparison, mid-day average fluxes of monoterpenes were 0.21 and 0.15 mg m−2 hr−1 in each of these years. On short times scales (days), the diel pattern in emission rate compared well with a standard emission algorithm for isoprene. The general shape of the seasonal cycle and the observed decrease in isoprene emission rate in early September was, however, not well captured by the model. Monoterpene emission rates exhibited dependence on light as well as temperature, as determined from the improved fit to the observations obtained by including a light-dependent term in the model. The mid-day average flux of methanol from the canopy was 0.14 mg m−2 hr−1 in 2005 and 0.19 mg m−2 hr−1 in 2007, but the maximum flux was observed in spring (29 May 2007), when the flux reached 1.0 mg m−2 hr−1. This observation is consistent with enhanced methanol production during leaf expansion. Summer mid-day fluxes of acetone were 0.15 mg m−2 hr−1 during a short period in 2005, but only 0.03 mg m−2 h−1 averaged over 2007. Episodes of negative fluxes of oxygenated VOCs, particularly acetone, were observed periodically, especially in 2007. Thus, deposition within the canopy could help explain the low season-averaged flux of acetone in 2007. Fluxes of species of biogenic origin at mass-to-charge ($m/z$) ratios of 73 (0.05 mg m−2 hr−1 in 2005; 0.03 mg m−2 hr−1 in 2007) and 153 (5 μg m−2 hr−1 in 2007), possibly corresponding to methyl ethyl ketone and an oxygenated terpene or methyl salicylate, respectively, were also observed.


2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 431-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.-C. Genard-Zielinski ◽  
C. Boissard ◽  
C. Fernandez ◽  
C. Kalogridis ◽  
J. Lathière ◽  
...  

Abstract. We aimed at quantifying biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions in June from three Mediterranean species located at the O3HP site (southern France): Quercus pubescens, Acer monspessulanum and C. coggygria (for isoprene only). As Q. pubescens was shown to be the main BVOC emitter with isoprene representing ≈ 99% of the carbon emitted as BVOC, we mainly focused on this species. C. coggygria was found to be a non-isoprene emitter (no other BVOCs were investigated). To fully understand both the canopy effect on Q. pubescens isoprene emissions and the inter-individual variability (tree to tree and within canopy), diurnal variations of isoprene were investigated from nine branches (seven branches located to the top of canopy at ≈ 4 m above ground level (a.g.l.), and two inside the canopy at ≈ 2 m a.g.l.). The Q. pubescens daily mean isoprene emission rate (ERd) fluctuated between 23 and 98 μgC gDM−1 h−1. Q. pubescens daily mean net assimilation (Pn) ranged between 5.4 and 13.8, and 2.8 and 6.4 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 for sunlit and shaded branches respectively. Both ERd and isoprene emission factors (Is), assessed according to Guenther et al. (1993) algorithm, varied by a factor of 4.3 among the sunlit branches. While sunlit branches ERd was clearly higher than for shaded branches, there was a non-significant variability of Is (59 to 77 μgC gDM−1 h−1). Diurnal variations of isoprene emission rates (ERs) for sunlit branches were also investigated. ERs were detected at dawn 2 h after Pn became positive and were mostly exponentially dependent on Pn. Diurnal variations of ERs were not equally well described throughout the day by temperature (CT) and light (CL) parameters according to G93 algorithm. Temperature had more impact than photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on the morning emissions increase, and ER was no longer correlated to CL × CT between solar noon (maximum ER) and mid-afternoon, possibly due to thermal stress of the plant. A comparison between measured and calculated emissions using two isoprene algorithms (G93 and MEGAN – Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature) highlighted the importance of isoprene emission factor Is value used, and some weakness in assessing isoprene emissions under Mediterranean climate conditions (drought) with current isoprene models.


2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 871-917 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Kalogridis ◽  
V. Gros ◽  
R. Sarda-Esteve ◽  
B. Langford ◽  
B. Loubet ◽  
...  

Abstract. The CANOPEE project aims to better understand the biosphere-atmosphere exchanges of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) in the case of Mediterranean ecosystems and the impact of in-canopy processes on the atmospheric chemical composition above the canopy. Based on an intensive field campaign, the objective of our work was to determine the chemical composition of the air inside a canopy as well as the net fluxes of reactive species between the canopy and the boundary layer. Measurements were carried out during spring 2012 at the Oak Observatory of the Observatoire de Haute Provence (O3HP) located in the southeast of France. The field site presents one dominant tree species, Quercus pubescens L., a typical Mediterranean species which features large isoprene emission rates. Mixing ratios of isoprene, its degradation products methylvinylketone (MVK) and methacrolein (MACR) and several other oxygenated VOC (OxVOC) were measured above the canopy using an online proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS), and fluxes were calculated by the disjunct eddy covariance approach. The O3HP site was found to be a very significant source of isoprene emissions, with daily maximum ambient concentrations ranging between 2–16 ppbv inside and 2–5 ppbv just above the top of the forest canopy. Significant isoprene fluxes were observed only during daytime, following diurnal cycles with midday net emission fluxes from the canopy ranging between 2–8 mg m−2 h1. Net isoprene normalised flux (at 30 °C, 1000 μmol m−2 s−1) was estimated at 6.6 mg m−2 h−1. The (MVK+MACR)-to-isoprene ratio was used to assess the degree of isoprene oxidation. In-canopy chemical oxidation of isoprene was found to be weak, as indicated by the low (MVK+MACR)-to-isoprene ratio (~ 0.13) and low MVK+MACR fluxes, and did not seem to have a significant impact on isoprene concentrations and fluxes above the canopy. Evidence of direct emission of methanol was also found exhibiting maximum daytime fluxes ranging between 0.2–0.4 mg m−2 h−1, whereas flux values for monoterpenes and others OxVOC such as acetone and acetaldehyde were below the detection limit.


2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (18) ◽  
pp. 10085-10102 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Kalogridis ◽  
V. Gros ◽  
R. Sarda-Esteve ◽  
B. Langford ◽  
B. Loubet ◽  
...  

Abstract. The CANOPEE project aims to better understand the biosphere–atmosphere exchanges of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in the case of Mediterranean ecosystems and the impact of in-canopy processes on the atmospheric chemical composition above the canopy. Based on an intensive field campaign, the objective of our work was to determine the chemical composition of the air inside a canopy as well as the net fluxes of reactive species between the canopy and the boundary layer. Measurements were carried out during spring 2012 at the field site of the Oak Observatory of the Observatoire de Haute Provence (O3HP) located in the southeast of France. The site is a forest ecosystem dominated by downy oak, Quercus pubescens Willd., a typical Mediterranean species which features large isoprene emission rates. Mixing ratios of isoprene, its degradation products methylvinylketone (MVK) and methacrolein (MACR) and several other oxygenated VOC (OxVOC) were measured above the canopy using an online proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS), and fluxes were calculated by the disjunct eddy covariance approach. The O3HP site was found to be a very significant source of isoprene emissions, with daily maximum ambient concentrations ranging between 2–16 ppbv inside and 2–5 ppbv just above the top of the forest canopy. Significant isoprene fluxes were observed only during daytime, following diurnal cycles with midday net emission fluxes from the canopy ranging between 2.0 and 9.7 mg m−2 h1. Net isoprene normalized flux (at 30 °C, 1000 μmol quanta m−2 s−1) was estimated at 7.4 mg m−2 h−1. Evidence of direct emission of methanol was also found exhibiting maximum daytime fluxes ranging between 0.2 and 0.6 mg m−2 h−1, whereas flux values for monoterpenes and others OxVOC such as acetone and acetaldehyde were below the detection limit. The MVK+MACR-to-isoprene ratio provided useful information on the oxidation of isoprene, and is in agreement with recent findings proposing weak production yields of MVK and MACR, in remote forest regions where the NOx concentrations are low. In-canopy chemical oxidation of isoprene was found to be weak and did not seem to have a significant impact on isoprene concentrations and fluxes above the canopy.


1985 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
I.Colin Prentice

The concepts of pollen source area and of production and dispersal biases in pollen representation are quantified by means of a simple theoretical model. Source areas and relative pollen representation are shown to depend on basin size according to functions that describe the amount of pollen remaining airborne at increasing distances from single pollen sources. The form of these functions is determined by physical processes. Standard formulas for elevated sources do not apply, but the integrated form of Sutton's equation for particle dispersal from a ground-level source gives useful approximations applicable to pollen transport over a forest canopy. Simulations using this equation yielded source areas that increased realistically with basin size, showed substantial differences between source areas for pollen grains with different deposition velocities, and predicted that lighter pollen grains should become better represented with increasing basin size. All of these predictions are qualitatively consistent with present knowledge of the characteristics of pollen assemblages in different depositional environments. The model further allows parameters that can be estimated by statistical calibration methods to be predicted from underlying physical quantities. This extension suggests procedures for testing the theory with quantitative data on surface pollen and forest composition. Preliminary results showed reasonable agreement between estimated and predicted values of dispersal indices for the most abundant taxa in pollen spectra from the northern midwestern United States.


2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis M. Kelliher ◽  
Harry Clark ◽  
Zheng Li ◽  
Paul C. D. Newton ◽  
Anthony J. Parsons ◽  
...  

Keppler et al. (2006, Nature 439, 187–191) showed that plants produce methane (CH4) in aerobic environments, leading Lowe (2006, Nature 439, 148–149) to postulate that in countries such as New Zealand, where grazed pastures have replaced forests, the forests could have produced as much CH4 as the ruminants currently grazing these areas. Estimating CH4 emissions from up to 85 million ruminants in New Zealand is challenging and, for completeness, the capacity of forest and pastoral soils to oxidise CH4 should be included. On average, the CH4 emission rate of grazing ruminants is estimated to be 9.6 ± 2.6 g m–2 year–1 (±standard deviation), six times the corresponding estimate for an indigenous forest canopy (1.6 ± 1.1 g m–2 year–1). The forest’s soil is estimated to oxidise 0.9 ± 0.2 g m–2 year–1 more CH4 than representative soils beneath grazed pasture. Taking into account plant and animal sources and the soil’s oxidative capacity, the net CH4 emission rates of forest and grazed ecosystems are 0.6 ± 1.1 and 9.8 ± 2.6 g m–2 year–1, respectively.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsti Ashworth ◽  
Serena H. Chung ◽  
Karena A. McKinney ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Bill J. Munger ◽  
...  

Abstract. The FORCAsT canopy exchange model was used to investigate the underlying mechanisms governing foliage emissions of methanol and acetaldehyde, two short chain oxygenated volatile organic compounds ubiquitous in the troposphere and known to have strong biogenic sources, at a northern mid-latitude forest site. The explicit representation of the vegetation canopy within the model allowed us to test the hypothesis that stomatal conductance regulates emissions of these compounds to an extent that its influence is observable at the ecosystem-scale, a process not currently considered in regional or global scale atmospheric chemistry models. We found that FORCAsT could only reproduce the magnitude and diurnal profiles of methanol and acetaldehyde fluxes measured at the top of the forest canopy at Harvard Forest if light-dependent emissions were introduced to the model. With the inclusion of such emissions FORCAsT was able to successfully simulate the observed bi-directional exchange of methanol and acetaldehyde. Although we found evidence that stomatal conductance influences methanol fluxes and concentrations at scales beyond the leaf-level, particularly at dawn and dusk, we were able to adequately capture ecosystem exchange without the addition of stomatal control to the standard parameterisations of foliage emissions, suggesting that ecosystem fluxes can be well enough represented by the emissions models currently used.


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