Theory 15/Boreal Forest/Forest carbon
Boreal Carbon Tips in Winter
The claim
The boreal forest carbon balance tips from sink to source above a winter warming threshold, because soil respiration responds while photosynthesis does not.
01Mechanism
Winter photosynthesis is negligible while soil respiration continues under snow; warming raises respiration without a compensating uptake.
02Prediction
The sink should weaken above a winter temperature threshold.
03Refutation
The balance tracking annual temperature would remove the seasonal asymmetry.