Carbon in Non-Forested Wetlands of the Midwest and Eastern United States: A Primer
Authors: Keller, A.B.; Handler, S.
Year: 2024
Type: Technology Transfer
Climate Hub region: Northern Forests Climate Hub
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Abstract
Wetlands make up a small percentage of total land area in the United States, but they store a disproportionate amount of carbon largely due to their unique hydrology. Wetlands of the Midwest and Eastern regions are comprised of both mineral soil wetlands and organic soil wetlands (peatlands) and store a significant proportion of all wetland carbon in the contiguous United States. This primer provides a basic summary of how carbon is stored and moves through these wetlands and how climate change and management may interact with site conditions to alter wetland carbon cycling.
Citation
Keller, A.B. and Handler, S. 2024. Carbon in non-forested wetlands of the Midwest and Eastern United States: a primer. Technology Transfer. Houghton, MI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Northern Forests Climate Hub. 6 p.
Acknowledgments
This handout is a product of the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, a collaborative, multi-institutional partnership led by the USDA Forest Service. Funding was provided by the USDA Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy.