Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Impact of lower atmospheric carbon dioxide on tropical mountain ecosystems
AU - StreetPerrott, F. A.
AU - Huang, Y. S.
AU - Perrott, R. A.
AU - Eglinton, G.
AU - Barker, P.
AU - BenKhelifa, L.
AU - Harkness, D. D.
AU - Olago, D. O.
N1 - Nov 21 Impact of lower atmospheric carbon dioxide on tropical mountain ecosystems Times Cited: 187
PY - 1997/11/21
Y1 - 1997/11/21
N2 - Carbon-isotope values of bulk organic matter from high-altitude lakes on Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon, East Africa, were 10 to 14 per mil higher during glacial times than they are today. Compound-specific isotope analyses of leaf waxes and algal biomarkers show that organisms possessing CO2-concentrating mechanisms, including C4 grasses and freshwater algae, were primarily responsible for this large increase. Carbon limitation due to lower ambient CO2 partial pressures had a significant impact on the distribution of forest on the tropical mountains, in addition to climate. Hence, tree line elevation should not be used to infer palaeotemperatures.
AB - Carbon-isotope values of bulk organic matter from high-altitude lakes on Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon, East Africa, were 10 to 14 per mil higher during glacial times than they are today. Compound-specific isotope analyses of leaf waxes and algal biomarkers show that organisms possessing CO2-concentrating mechanisms, including C4 grasses and freshwater algae, were primarily responsible for this large increase. Carbon limitation due to lower ambient CO2 partial pressures had a significant impact on the distribution of forest on the tropical mountains, in addition to climate. Hence, tree line elevation should not be used to infer palaeotemperatures.
U2 - 10.1126/science.278.5342.1422
DO - 10.1126/science.278.5342.1422
M3 - Journal article
VL - 278
SP - 1422
EP - 1426
JO - Science
JF - Science
SN - 0036-8075
IS - 5342
ER -