Oral Abstract Details

Author(s):
Lucy Hutyra (1), Marina Alberti (2), Nathan Phillips (1), et al.

Affiliation:
(1) Boston University, Dept of Geography & Environment; (2) University of Washington, Urban Design and Planning

Presentation Type:
Oral

Topic Area:
Human influences on ecosystems (direct and indirect stressors)

Abstract Text:
Most of our global population and its CO2 emissions can be attributed to urban areas. The process of urbanization changes terrestrial carbon stocks and fluxes, which, in turn, impact ecosystem functions and atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The relationships between urbanization and ecosystem function are governed by complex interactions and feedback mechanisms between human choices and ecological processes. Most research to date has focused on urban carbon emissions, or separately on urban vegetation carbon exchange. Thus, we are currently lacking the empirical data and evidence of mechanisms linking urban patterns and ecosystem function that are critical to advance urban sustainability efforts. Using the Seattle, WA and Boston, MA regions as contrasting case studies, this paper explores the relationships between terrestrial carbon exchange and land cover across urban to rural gradients. Micrometeorological, biometric, and remote sensing methods are combined to characterize the relationships between urban land covers and vegetation across gradients of urbanization.