The biosphere is the ultimate sink for air pollutants and is also the source of many precursors for the formation of photo-oxidants. In any analysis of air pollution and for determining source-receptor relationships, reliable emission and pollutant concentrations or depositions must be taken into account, together with their interactions between the atmosphere and the biosphere. This book presents a number of authoritative review articles covering topics which include biosphere-atmosphere exchange of ammonia, nitrogen oxides, ozone and sulfur-containing gases, the biological mechanisms involved in the exchange of trace gases, as well as generalizations of deposition over Europe.

Trace gases are those that are present in the atmosphere at relatively low concentrations. Small changes in their concentrations can have profound implications for major atmospheric fluxes, and thereore, can be used as indicators in studies of global change, global biogeochemical cycling and global warming. This new how-to guide will detail the concepts and techniques involved in the detection and measurement of trace gases, and the impact they have on ecological studies. Introductory chapters look at the role of trace gases in global cycles, while later chapters go on to consider techniques for the measurement of gases in various environments and at a range of scales. A how-to guide for measuring atmospheric trace gases. Techniques described are of value in addressing current concerns over global climate change.

The biosphere is the ultimate sink for air pollutants and is also the source of many precursors for the formation of photo-oxidants. In any analysis of air pollution and for determining source-receptor relationships, reliable emission and pollutant concentrations or depositions must be taken into account, together with their interactions between the atmosphere and the biosphere. This book presents a number of authoritative review articles covering topics which include biosphere-atmosphere exchange of ammonia, nitrogen oxides, ozone and sulfur-containing gases, the biological mechanisms involved in the exchange of trace gases, as well as generalizations of deposition over Europe.

Many trace gases are exchanged between the atmosphere and the biosphere. Although much research has been published on the photosynthetic exchanges of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water vapor, this book focuses on the importance of biogenic trace gases on atmosphere chemistry and ecosystem stability. Included are methane and its effect on the radiative properties of the atmosphere, hydrocarbons (isoprene and monoterpenes), and their role in the production of ozone and carbon monoxide. Also covered are sulfur and nitrogen gases, both of which can lead to ecosystem acidification. The biochemistry and physiology of production of these and other gases are investigated. Plant physiologists, ecologists, and atmospheric chemists and modelers will benefit from this book.

Microbiological basic of NO and N2O production and consumption in soil; Factors controlling NOx emissions from soils; Control of methane production in terrestrial ecosystems; Biological sinks of methane; What regulates production and consumption of trace gases in ecosystems: biology or physicochemistry?; Regional extrapolation of trace gas flux based on soil and ecosystems; Regional extrapolation: Vegetation-atmosphere approach; Global-scale extrapolation: a critical assessment; Aircraft-based measurements of trace gas fluxes; Extrapolation of flux measurements to regional and global scales; Chamber and isotop techniques; Micrometeorological techniques for the measurement of trace gas exchange; Methane flux measurements: methods and results; Fluxes of NOx abovesoil and vegetation; What are the relative roles of biological production, micrometeorology, and photochemistry in controlling the flux of trace gases between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere?; Atmospheric deposition and nutrient cycling; Global climate and trace gas composition: from atmospheric history to the century; Experimental design for studying atmosphere interactions; Trace gas exchange and phsical climate: Critical interactions; Research priorities for studies on trace gas exchange.