Tropical soils could dominate the short-term carbon cycle feedbacks to increased global temperatures

Results of a simple model of the effects of temperature on net ecosystem production call into question the argument that the large stocks of soil carbon and greater projected warming in the boreal and tu ndra regions of the world willlead to rapid efflux of carbon from these biomes to the atmosphere. We show that low rates of carbon turnover in these regions and a relatively greater response of net primary production to changes in temperature may lead to carbon storage over some limited range of warming. In contrast, the high rates of soil respiration found in tropical ecosystems are highly sensitive to small changes in temperature, so that despite the less pronounced warming expected in equatorial regions, tropical soils are likely to release relatively large amounts of carbon to the atmosphere. Results for high-latitude biomes are highly sensitive to parameter values used, while the net efflux of carbon from the tropics appears robust.     

Law of the sea and ASW: National security versus arms control

The law of the sea has always been open to the charge of being a ‘covenant without a sword’ and its effectiveness when challenged by the perceived national security of a superpower is questionable. Attempts to limit and control antisubmarine warfare (ASW) have demonstrated that neither superpower is prepared to risk its second-strike capability for what may be an illusory legal protection. This article reviews developments relevant to ASW in the law of the sea and describes the significance of ASW to the superpowers' strategic objectives. The authors conclude by stressing the urgent need for effective arms control.