Vertical distribution of CO2 flux within and above a larch [Laric leptolepis] forest: Experimental and numerical approach

Atmosphere-forest CO2 exchange was investigated based on measurements using the eddy correlation method at one height above and four heights inside the canopy of a larch forest by changing the flow route into a single closed-path gas analyzer. A considerable amount of CO2 was found to be transported toward the forest floor containing rich undergrowth. The second order turbulence closure model was applied to confirm the role of the vegetation near the forest floor. Numerical simulation indicates that the CO2 absorption of this forest may decrease considerably during the daytime if the floor vegetation is eliminated.