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Abstract

In this study, the values of δ¹³C in modern plants of the Dajiuhu Basin were determined, and correlation analysis was performed on various climatic factors influencing the values of δ¹³C in plants of this area on a seasonal scale. Results showed that carbon isotopes were fractionated from the collected plants through C3 pathways. Carex argyi and Sphagnum palustre L. are more sensitive to changes in air humidity. As a typical case, the values of δ¹³C in Carex argyi and Sphagnum palustre L. are positively and negatively associated with humidity, respectively, indicating that humidity was an important factor influencing the values of δ¹³C in plants of this area. Thus, while remodelling the palaeoclimate of the Dajiuhu Basin using the value of δ¹³C in the sedimentary peat plant residue, the plant residues of dominant species in this area (i.e. Sphagnum palustre L. and Carex argyi) that were sensitive to air humidity could be used. This is very important to understand deeply the mechanism of influence of climate change on plant carbon isotope fractionation and to predict the effects possibly caused by future global climate change.

Keywords

α-cellulose air humidity climate factors palaeoclimate peat stable isotopes

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The δ 13 C of cellulose from modern plants and its responses to the atmosphere – From the peatland records of Dajiuhu,China

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