1. Breakout: Coastal blue carbon: an essential component of the global carbon cycle
Organizers: Jim Tang, Ariana Sutton-Grier, Tiffany Troxler, Kevin Kroeger
Goal: To build a community of blue carbon researchers and incorporate blue carbon science to the broad context of global carbon cycling.
What is going on in blue carbon research?
SBC, SOCCR2, National inventory, NSF/RCN, DOE terrestrial-aquatic interface program, NASA blue carbon synthesis projects, DOD funds, etc.
Can we standardize study methods?
Coastal wetland is a complex system that involves vertical and lateral fluxes. Caveat has to be made in using the eddy flux system with a complex footprint and tidal influence.
How can we incorporate blue carbon into Earth System modeling?
Coastal blue carbon is an essential component of the global carbon cycle, with small areas but spatially extensive. Our modeling ability is weaker than that in terrestrial systems. Coastal carbon data is relatively scarce. We need better mapping and incorporation of key drivers in lateral flux (dominant and bidirectional), sea level rise influence on volumetric accretion/loss of organic sediment, marine-land biogeochemistry across sharp gradients.
How can we incorporate blue carbon into policy and carbon market?
Coastal wetlands have been incorporated into US National Greenhouse Inventory for the first time in 2017.
What are future opportunities?
Call you local representatives on your concerns on science and funding for science!