Spatial and Temporal Variations of Carbon Dioxide Fluxes in Urban Ecosystems of Changsha, China

Abstract

Understanding the spatial and temporal variations of urban carbon dioxide fluxes (FCO2) and their influencing factors is crucial for solving urban climate problems and promoting the development of low-carbon cities. In this study, the carbon dioxide flux (FCO2) in Changsha City, China, was analyzed using the eddy covariance technique and flux footprint model. The results showed that the extent of the flux footprint within the observation site was mostly limited to 500 m. Diurnal variation of FCO2 showed a regular pattern influenced by plant photosynthesis and traffic flow. Meanwhile, photosynthesis was directly regulated by photosynthetically active radiation and indirectly regulated by air temperature and water vapor pressure differences. The average value of FCO2 was lower during the daytime than at night, indicating the high vegetation cover (43.5%) in the study area. In addition, there were spatial characteristics of FCO2 in each wind direction due to different surface land use in the study area. Notably, a decreasing trend in carbon dioxide content was observed after the area covered by vegetation was 1.8 times the area of buildings and major roads combined. These findings guide climate management, urban planning, and sustainable development toward a low-carbon society.