In the scenic Wharton State Forest of New Jersey, a team from Rowan University is diving deep into how forested wetlands shape our climate. Led by researchers Charles Schutte, Ph.D., and Lauren Kipp, Ph.D., this exciting two-year study is backed by a $360,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
The goal? To find out how much carbon these wetlands can store and the amount of methane they release. Methane, a greenhouse gas, is significantly more potent than carbon dioxide, making this research vital for understanding their climate influence.
According to Schutte, “We want to know if these wetlands warm or cool the atmosphere and how powerful that effect is.” The study will take place at 12 different sites, each fitted with specialized tools called flux chambers. These chambers will collect precise data on greenhouse gas emissions, keeping disturbances to a minimum.
The scientists are focusing on four types of forested wetlands: Atlantic White Cedar, deciduous forests, and pine forests. These various types can behave quite differently when it comes to carbon storage and methane production. Schutte thinks that Atlantic White Cedar forests may be particularly effective at trapping carbon while releasing less methane.
Interestingly, soil type plays a big role in carbon storage. Rich, organic Manahawkin soils are expected to store more carbon compared to sandier soil types. Schutte highlighted the extensive carbon stock in these soils, built over time.
Kipp is also examining radon levels in groundwater, which can reveal water movement and how greenhouse gases travel. This summer, the team is busy setting up sites and plans to start collecting groundwater samples in the fall. They aim to gather data quarterly over the two years, analyzing it for dissolved greenhouse gases.
Student researcher Desiree Bauer is enthusiastic about the project, seeing it as an opportunity to understand New Jersey’s geography and its climate impacts better. She believes their findings could have real implications for forest management.
Ultimately, Schutte hopes their research will contribute to effective forest management strategies that enhance carbon absorption and minimize methane emissions. Restoring more Atlantic White Cedar could be crucial for New Jersey’s ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
This project reflects a broader trend in environmental science, where researchers are increasingly recognizing the importance of wetlands. A 2023 report by the World Resources Institute highlights that wetlands can play a critical role in climate stability, making efforts to preserve and restore them more essential than ever. By focusing on forested wetlands, the Rowan team aims to provide valuable insights that could inform future conservation efforts in New Jersey.
In a state where over 80% of wetlands are forests, their findings could pave the way for sustainable practices and contribute significantly to climate action initiatives.
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