Geomorphic and geologic controls on topography and accommodation space for organic carbon storage in mountain drainage basins

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Terrestrial organic carbon represents an important component of the global carbon cycle and is related to climate change and land use change through a series of complex feedbacks. Further research is required to better understand mechanisms underlying the retention and transfer of terrestrial carbon, as it remains one of the least understood parts of the carbon cycle. The novel contribution of the proposed research to our understanding of terrestrial carbon is the explicit connection that it makes between controlling factors of topography and locations of accommodation space for organic carbon storage in mountainous landscapes. Hillslope and river systems connect the lithosphere and surface/subsurface water flow with the atmosphere and oceans, while transferring and storing significant amounts of organic carbon. Vegetation and soils on the terrestrial landscape can absorb large amounts of CO2 and represent significant stores of organic carbon.**** The proposed research seeks to characterize landscape topography and formative mechanisms associated with steep drainage basins in Kananaskis, Canadian Rockies and to connect these findings with measurements and analyses of organic carbon storage associated with soils and vegetation. Three objectives form the basis of this proposal: (i) To evaluate formative mechanisms and spatial organization of topography for hillslopes and channel networks in steep tributary drainage basins, Kananaskis River, Canadian Rockies. This information will be used to determine controlling factors of locations of accommodation space for terrestrial organic carbon. (ii) To measure and analyze hillslope organic carbon. To explain controls of organic carbon accommodation spaces and organic carbon stocks for soils and vegetation on hillslopes. (iii) To measure and analyze organic carbon in the riparian zone. To explain controls of organic carbon accommodation spaces and organic carbon stocks for soils and vegetation in the riparian zone.**** Terrestrial organic carbon is directly related to significant regional, global and societal issues, including climate change. Although the subalpine landscapes investigated in this study have a low areal extent globally, they are significant locations given their sensitivity to climate change. The outcomes of the proposed research objectives will contribute to our knowledge of terrestrial organic carbon and its role in the global carbon cycle.***