Abstract
Abstract. Oxidation of organic matter in peat above the phreatic groundwater table causes subsidence and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Because 25 % of the Netherlands has shallow peat layers in its subsurface, it is essential for Dutch policy makers and stakeholders to have reliable information on present day and near future CO2 emissions under changes in groundwater levels. Furthermore, it is important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in view of international agreements. We are developing GreenhousePeat: a nationwide model that synthesizes information on peat organic carbon content, land subsidence, and CO2 emission monitoring to model present-day and future CO2 emissions from subsiding peatlands. Here, we discuss the approach and input data of GreenhousePeat. GreenhousePeat is based on a UNFCCC approved model to predict CO2 emissions, albeit based on new input data: 3-D organic matter maps, nationwide subsidence rates, and ranges in oxidation fraction. We validate model outcomes with previously documented CO2 emissions measured at four different locations. We found that for one site the upper bound of the model reproduces the measured CO2 emissions. The modelled emissions at two sites have a relative deviation of approximately 73 % to 29 % from the measured emissions. Whereas one site is a net CO2 sink, although low emissions were modelled. Finally, we conclude on the suitability of the model for CO2 emission forecasting and suggest improvements by incorporating groundwater level information and land use type.
Highlights
Many peatlands in densely populated areas are drained to enable agriculture and to prevent residential areas from inundating (Gambolati et al, 2006; Hooijer et al, 2012)
GreenhousePeat is beneficial for policymakers, water managers, agricultural organizations, and spatial planners because the results are implementable in decision-making strategies to mitigate future CO2 emissions
We introduce the approach and input data of GreenhousePeat, provide a brief overview of CO2 emission measurements in the Netherlands, and report on the ability of GreenhousePeat to reproduce CO2 emissions previously measured at four sites using new datasets on peat organic matter and subsidence rates
Summary
Many peatlands in densely populated areas are drained to enable agriculture and to prevent residential areas from inundating (Gambolati et al, 2006; Hooijer et al, 2012). The Dutch government committed itself to the COP21 – CPM11 Paris climate agreement, in which it is stated that CO2 emission has to be reduced with 49 % in 2030 and 95 % in 2050 (UNTC, 2016). The output of GreenhousePeat consists of CO2 emission forecasts under selected changes in groundwater levels and climate, for example as a result of extreme droughts. GreenhousePeat is beneficial for policymakers, water managers, agricultural organizations, and spatial planners because the results are implementable in decision-making strategies to mitigate future CO2 emissions. These strategies will be vital to meet international agreements. We introduce the approach and input data of GreenhousePeat, provide a brief overview of CO2 emission measurements in the Netherlands, and report on the ability of GreenhousePeat to reproduce CO2 emissions previously measured at four sites using new datasets on peat organic matter and subsidence rates
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