Assessment of spatiotemporal changes in the carbon balance in the Sunzha river basin in connection with the transformation of land use

Introduction. This study evaluates the spatio - temporal dynamics of carbon stocks in the Sunzha River basin (2017–2024) using the InVEST Carbon Storage and Sequestration model. The research is particularly relevant within the context of implementing Russia's climate strategy and the need to develop regional carbon balance mechanisms. The objective of the study is to quantify carbon stocks and analyze their dynamics within the Sunzha River basin using the InVEST software suite. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted using the InVEST model integrated with geospatial technologies (ArcGIS). Input data included land cover maps (ESRI Land Cover, Sentinel-2), biomass carbon density maps, and soil carbon stock data (SoilGrids250). Results. Analysis of ESRI Land Cover data in ArcGIS revealed a 7.8 % decrease in total carbon stocks over the study period due to land use and land cover change. Maximum carbon storage density (up to 150 t/ha) was recorded in forested areas, while the minimum values (

Agricultural land · Carbon fibers · Carbon sequestration · Carbon sink · Drainage basin · Land cover · Land use · Land use, land-use change and forestry · Climate change and permafrost · Land Use and Ecosystem Services · Water Resources and Management