Surface interpolation of environmental factors as tool for evaluation of the occurrence of high methane and nitrous oxide fluxes

Abstract

AbstractGreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wetlands typically exhibit extended low‐flux phases accompanied by distinct high‐flux events. Prediction and explanation of flux occurrence is hindered by various interactions of the underlying environmental predictors. Here, a novel approach is described to gain insight in patterns of environmental factors, which lead to elevated emissions. Natural neighbor interpolation was utilized to construct flux intensity maps based on two environmental predictors, the ground water level and soil temperature. Further, the effect of inhomogeneous data density was considered by filtering estimates for sufficient information content. The practical application was exemplified by CH4 and N2O flux field data of three years from two fen sites in southwest Germany. This approach considered factor interactions as well as the fluxes occurring as rare events. The application can be useful for the delineation of driving conditions for high‐flux events as well as for wetland management practice.