[Forest carbon storage, carbon density, and their distribution characteristics in Linzhi area of Tibet, China].

ABSTRACT

According to the 6th Second Class Forest Resource Inventory data in Linzhi area of Tibet, and by using the volume source biomass method and average-biomass computing method, in combining with the molecular formula carbon rate of different tree species, this paper estimated the carbon storage and carbon density of different standing forests and their components in the area, and analyzed the spatial distribution patterns of the carbon storage and carbon density. In 2004, the forest carbon storage in the area was 2. 43x10(8) t, and the average forest carbon density was 76.01 t.hm-2. The carbon storage followed the sequence of standing forest > shrub forest > open forest > scattered trees > bamboo forest > four-side trees. Standing forests had a carbon storage 2.51x10(5)-1.27x10(8) t, accounting for 92.0% of the total forest carbon storage in the area. The average carbon density of various standing forests was 103.16 t.hm-2, and fir forest had the highest carbon storage and carbon density. From the view of regional distribution, the forest carbon storage presented a trend of increased from northwest to southeast, whereas the forest carbon density tended to be increased from southwest to northeast. The carbon storage of the standing forests was mainly consisted by mature and over-matured forests, and the carbon density of over-matured forests was the highest among all the age classes' forests. The forest carbon storage in Linzhi area would be increased with the increase of over-matured forests, but tended to be decreased with the death and decomposition of over-matured forests.