Name
Understory and tree methane stem emissions from burned and unburned bogs and swamps in the Canadian Shield
Date & Time
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Description
Peatlands are globally important emitters of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4), yet gaps remain in our understanding of how the magnitude and emission pathways vary in response to disturbance. Recent studies indicate that tree stems are an important emission pathway for CH4 in tropical wetlands, but their importance in boreal, conifer-dominated peatlands remains poorly constrained. Further, studies on CH4 emissions’ response to wildfire in northern peatlands are also scarce. To address these knowledge gaps, we conducted two sampling campaigns to measure understory and tree CH4 fluxes from burned and unburned bogs and swamps in the southern headwaters of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, Moose Cree First Nation Traditional Territory. Our specific objectives were to: i) assess how burn severity, wetland type and environmental conditions affect CH4 fluxes from black spruce trees, and ii) evaluate environmental controls of understory CH4 emissions from burned and unburned bogs and swamps. Methane flux was measured using closed chambers. Six collars were installed (3 hummock, 3 hollow) at four locations along transects that intersected burned and unburned bogs and swamps. We also took tree stem CH4 flux measurements from three black spruce trees at each sampling location. Fluxes were measured at the base of the trees, and at 1.5 m above the peat surface. Trees emitted CH4 at both burned and unburned sites with emissions decreasing with height above the peat surface. This presentation will further explore the relative importance of tree stem and soil CH4 emissions and their response to wildfire and local hydrological conditions.
Location Name
DSU 224
Full Address
Dalhousie University
Halifax NS
Canada
Session Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract ID
218
Speaker Organization
University of Waterloo
Session Name
B4 (1 of 2)
Co-authors
Miranda Hunter, University of Waterloo Violet McCloskey, University of Waterloo Nicole Balliston, University of Waterloo
Presenting Author
Maria Strack, University of Waterloo