THE GLOBAL TERRESTRIAL CARBON-CYCLE

There is great uncertainty with regard to the future role of the terre strial biosphere in the global carbon cycle. The uncertainty arises fr om both an inadequate understanding of current pools and fluxes as wel l as the potential effects of rising atmospheric concentrations of CO2 on natural ecosystems. Despite these limitations, a number of studies have estimated current and future patterns of terrestrial carbon stor age. Future estimates focus on the effects of a climate change associa ted with a doubled atmospheric concentration of CO2. Available models for examining the dynamics of terrestrial carbon storage and the poten tial role of forest management and landuse practices on carbon conserv ation and sequestration are discussed.