Measuring Carbon (IMAGE) University of Florida Caption In this photo from February 2006, research team member Christian Trucco makes a wintertime measurement of ecosystem carbon flux in Eight Mile Lake near Denali National Park in Alaska. The black suitcase contains an infrared gas analyzer to measure carbon dioxide exchange between tundra and the air. When the small clear chambers are placed on the snow/tundra surface, the carbon dioxide in the chamber increases slowly over 10 minutes because of microbial release of carbon dioxide from decomposing soil organic matter. Even during the winter when the plants are not active, there is a slow release of carbon by microbes that is significant once it is added up over the long winter period. Credit Emily Tissier/University of Florida Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.