CARBON POOLS AND ACCUMULATION IN PEATLANDS OF THE FORMER SOVIET-UNION

To date, the areal extent, carbon pools, rate of carbon accumulation, and role of peatlands of the former Soviet Union (FSU) in the terrestr ial carbon cycle has not been fully recognized. This is a consequence of the fact that many peatlands in the FSU, especially noncommercial p eatlands, were never studied and properly mapped. An estimate of the a real extent, carbon pools, and rate of carbon accumulation in peatland s of the FSU obtained by interrelating a number of regional databases and maps, including formerly classified maps, is presented herein. Com mercial peatlands were categorized by regional type which facilitated an evaluation of their age and quality. Noncommercial peatlands were e valuated from classified regional topographic maps. Air photographs we re used to identify peatIands of northern landscapes. The total peatla nd area of the FSU was estimated at 165 Mba (10(6) hectares) which was two times greater than the most recent estimates based on thematic ma ps. The peat carbon pool was estimated at 215 Pg C. Half of this amoun t was in raised bogs. The rate of peat accumulation varied from 12 g C m(-2) yr(-1) (polygonal mires) to 72-80 g C m(-2) yr(-1) (fens and ma rshes). The total rate of carbon accumulation in FSU peatlands was 52 Tg C yr(-1). Carbon emissions from peat utilization in the FSU were es timated at 122 Tg C yr(-1). Thus, at present, peat accumulation/utiliz ation in the FSU is a net source of approximately 70 Tg C yr(-1) to th e atmosphere.