Diurnal and seasonal variation of monoterpene and sesquiterpene emissions from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

Recent research pointed out the question of missing OH reactivity in a forest system and the question for unknown highly reactive biogenic emissions. In this study we show that coniferous forests are an important source of highly reactive hydrocarbons, the sesquiterpenes. We investigated the seasonality of terpene emissions from Scots pine to work out influences on atmospheric chemistry in different seasons for both mono- and sesquiterpenes. Especially sesquiterpenes (C15) change dramatically in their contribution to the terpene emissions of Scots pine. Fourteen sesquiterpenes and oxygenated compounds were found in the emissions. In spring, the pattern was most complex with all 14 compounds being emitted, whereas in summer and fall it was reduced to 1,8-cineol and camphor. The emission pattern of the monoterpenes varied only slightly. The main compounds emitted were α-pinene, β-pinene, and 3-carene representing up to 90% of the total terpene emission. The total monoterpene emission rates varied from below detection limit to 460 pmol m−2 s−1 with highest emission rates found in June. Standard emission rates of the main compounds calculated from the monthly measured diurnal emission courses varied considerably over the year. Highest values were found in spring and early summer with up to 700 pmol m−2 s−1.