Articles | Volume 17, issue 20
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-5163-2020
© Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-5163-2020
© Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
26 Oct 2020
Research article |
| 26 Oct 2020
| 26 Oct 2020
Thermokarst amplifies fluvial inorganic carbon cycling and export across watershed scales on the Peel Plateau, Canada
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
present address: Woodwell Climate Research Center, Falmouth, MA 02540, USA
Suzanne E. Tank
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
Robert G. Striegl
United States Geological Survey, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
Steven V. Kokelj
Northwest Territories Geological Survey, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2L9, Canada
Justin Kokoszka
Northwest Territories Geological Survey, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2L9, Canada
Cristian Estop-Aragonés
Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
present address: Institute of Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
David Olefeldt
Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
Related authors
No articles found.
Hayley F. Drapeau, Suzanne E. Tank, Maria A. Cavaco, Jessica A. Serbu, Vincent L. St. Louis, and Maya P. Bhatia
Biogeosciences, 22, 1369–1391, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1369-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1369-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
From glacial headwaters to 100 km downstream, we found clear organic matter gradients in Canadian Rocky Mountain rivers. In contrast, microbial communities exhibited overall cohesion, indicating that species dispersal may be an over-riding control on community dynamics in these connected rivers. Identification of glacial-specific microbes suggests that glaciers seed headwater microbial assemblages; these findings show the importance of glacial waters and microbiomes in changing mountain systems.
Anna Talucci, Michael M. Loranty, Jean E. Holloway, Brendan M. Rogers, Heather D. Alexander, Natalie Baillargeon, Jennifer L. Baltzer, Logan T. Berner, Amy Breen, Leya Brodt, Brian Buma, Jacqueline Dean, Clement J. F. Delcourt, Lucas R. Diaz, Catherine M. Dieleman, Thomas A. Douglas, Gerald V. Frost, Benjamin V. Gaglioti, Rebecca E. Hewitt, Teresa Hollingsworth, M. Torre Jorgenson, Mark J. Lara, Rachel A. Loehman, Michelle C. Mack, Kristen L. Manies, Christina Minions, Susan M. Natali, Jonathan A. O'Donnell, David Olefeldt, Alison K. Paulson, Adrian V. Rocha, Lisa B. Saperstein, Tatiana A. Shestakova, Seeta Sistla, Oleg Sizov, Andrey Soromotin, Merritt R. Turetsky, Sander Veraverbeke, and Michelle A. Walvoord
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2024-526, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2024-526, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for ESSD
Short summary
Short summary
Wildfires have the potential to accelerate permafrost thaw and the associated feedbacks to climate change. We assembled a data set of permafrost thaw depth measurements from burned and unburned sites contributed by researchers from across the northern high latitude region. We estimated maximum thaw depth for each measurement, which addresses a key challenge: the ability to assess impacts of wildfire on maximum thaw depth when measurement timing varies.
Aelis Spiller, Cynthia M. Kallenbach, Melanie S. Burnett, David Olefeldt, Christopher Schulze, Roxane Maranger, and Peter M. J. Douglas
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2248, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2248, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Permafrost peatlands are large reservoirs of carbon. As frozen permafrost thaws, drier peat moisture conditions can arise, affecting microbial production of climate-warming greenhouse gases like CO2 and N2O. Our study suggests that future peat CO2 and N2O production depends on whether drier peat plateaus thaw into wetter fens or bogs and on their diverging responses of peat respiration to more moisture-limited conditions.
Bernhard Lehner, Mira Anand, Etienne Fluet-Chouinard, Florence Tan, Filipe Aires, George H. Allen, Pilippe Bousquet, Josep G. Canadell, Nick Davidson, C. Max Finlayson, Thomas Gumbricht, Lammert Hilarides, Gustaf Hugelius, Robert B. Jackson, Maartje C. Korver, Peter B. McIntyre, Szabolcs Nagy, David Olefeldt, Tamlin M. Pavelsky, Jean-Francois Pekel, Benjamin Poulter, Catherine Prigent, Jida Wang, Thomas A. Worthington, Dai Yamazaki, and Michele Thieme
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2024-204, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2024-204, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for ESSD
Short summary
Short summary
The Global Lakes and Wetlands Database (GLWD) version 2 distinguishes a total of 33 non-overlapping wetland classes, providing a static map of the world’s inland surface waters. It contains cell fractions of wetland extents per class at a grid cell resolution of ~500 m. The total combined extent of all classes including all inland and coastal waterbodies and wetlands of all inundation frequencies—that is, the maximum extent—covers 18.2 million km2, equivalent to 13.4 % of total global land area.
Jennika Hammar, Inge Grünberg, Steven V. Kokelj, Jurjen van der Sluijs, and Julia Boike
The Cryosphere, 17, 5357–5372, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-5357-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-5357-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Roads on permafrost have significant environmental effects. This study assessed the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH) in Canada and its impact on snow accumulation, albedo and snowmelt timing. Our findings revealed that snow accumulation increased by up to 36 m from the road, 12-day earlier snowmelt within 100 m due to reduced albedo, and altered snowmelt patterns in seemingly undisturbed areas. Remote sensing aids in understanding road impacts on permafrost.
Jurjen van der Sluijs, Steven V. Kokelj, and Jon F. Tunnicliffe
The Cryosphere, 17, 4511–4533, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-4511-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-4511-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
There is an urgent need to obtain size and erosion estimates of climate-driven landslides, such as retrogressive thaw slumps. We evaluated surface interpolation techniques to estimate slump erosional volumes and developed a new inventory method by which the size and activity of these landslides are tracked through time. Models between slump area and volume reveal non-linear intensification, whereby model coefficients improve our understanding of how permafrost landscapes may evolve over time.
Liam Heffernan, Maria A. Cavaco, Maya P. Bhatia, Cristian Estop-Aragonés, Klaus-Holger Knorr, and David Olefeldt
Biogeosciences, 19, 3051–3071, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-3051-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-3051-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Permafrost thaw in peatlands leads to waterlogged conditions, a favourable environment for microbes producing methane (CH4) and high CH4 emissions. High CH4 emissions in the initial decades following thaw are due to a vegetation community that produces suitable organic matter to fuel CH4-producing microbes, along with warm and wet conditions. High CH4 emissions after thaw persist for up to 100 years, after which environmental conditions are less favourable for microbes and high CH4 emissions.
Sarah Shakil, Suzanne E. Tank, Jorien E. Vonk, and Scott Zolkos
Biogeosciences, 19, 1871–1890, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1871-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1871-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Permafrost thaw-driven landslides in the western Arctic are increasing organic carbon delivered to headwaters of drainage networks in the western Canadian Arctic by orders of magnitude. Through a series of laboratory experiments, we show that less than 10 % of this organic carbon is likely to be mineralized to greenhouse gases during transport in these networks. Rather most of the organic carbon is likely destined for burial and sequestration for centuries to millennia.
David Olefeldt, Mikael Hovemyr, McKenzie A. Kuhn, David Bastviken, Theodore J. Bohn, John Connolly, Patrick Crill, Eugénie S. Euskirchen, Sarah A. Finkelstein, Hélène Genet, Guido Grosse, Lorna I. Harris, Liam Heffernan, Manuel Helbig, Gustaf Hugelius, Ryan Hutchins, Sari Juutinen, Mark J. Lara, Avni Malhotra, Kristen Manies, A. David McGuire, Susan M. Natali, Jonathan A. O'Donnell, Frans-Jan W. Parmentier, Aleksi Räsänen, Christina Schädel, Oliver Sonnentag, Maria Strack, Suzanne E. Tank, Claire Treat, Ruth K. Varner, Tarmo Virtanen, Rebecca K. Warren, and Jennifer D. Watts
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 5127–5149, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-5127-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-5127-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Wetlands, lakes, and rivers are important sources of the greenhouse gas methane to the atmosphere. To understand current and future methane emissions from northern regions, we need maps that show the extent and distribution of specific types of wetlands, lakes, and rivers. The Boreal–Arctic Wetland and Lake Dataset (BAWLD) provides maps of five wetland types, seven lake types, and three river types for northern regions and will improve our ability to predict future methane emissions.
McKenzie A. Kuhn, Ruth K. Varner, David Bastviken, Patrick Crill, Sally MacIntyre, Merritt Turetsky, Katey Walter Anthony, Anthony D. McGuire, and David Olefeldt
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 5151–5189, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-5151-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-5151-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Methane (CH4) emissions from the boreal–Arctic region are globally significant, but the current magnitude of annual emissions is not well defined. Here we present a dataset of surface CH4 fluxes from northern wetlands, lakes, and uplands that was built alongside a compatible land cover dataset, sharing the same classifications. We show CH4 fluxes can be split by broad land cover characteristics. The dataset is useful for comparison against new field data and model parameterization or validation.
Steven V. Kokelj, Justin Kokoszka, Jurjen van der Sluijs, Ashley C. A. Rudy, Jon Tunnicliffe, Sarah Shakil, Suzanne E. Tank, and Scott Zolkos
The Cryosphere, 15, 3059–3081, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-3059-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-3059-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Climate-driven landslides are transforming glacially conditioned permafrost terrain, coupling slopes with aquatic systems, and triggering a cascade of downstream effects. Nonlinear intensification of thawing slopes is primarily affecting headwater systems where slope sediment yields overwhelm stream transport capacity. The propagation of effects across watershed scales indicates that western Arctic Canada will be an interconnected hotspot of thaw-driven change through the coming millennia.
Kyra A. St. Pierre, Brian P. V. Hunt, Suzanne E. Tank, Ian Giesbrecht, Maartje C. Korver, William C. Floyd, Allison A. Oliver, and Kenneth P. Lertzman
Biogeosciences, 18, 3029–3052, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3029-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3029-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Using 4 years of paired freshwater and marine water chemistry from the Central Coast of British Columbia (Canada), we show that coastal temperate rainforest streams are sources of organic nitrogen, iron, and carbon to the Pacific Ocean but not the inorganic nutrients easily used by marine phytoplankton. This distinction may have important implications for coastal food webs and highlights the need to sample all nutrients in fresh and marine waters year-round to fully understand coastal dynamics.
Rupesh Subedi, Steven V. Kokelj, and Stephan Gruber
The Cryosphere, 14, 4341–4364, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-4341-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-4341-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Permafrost beneath tundra near Lac de Gras (Northwest Territories, Canada) contains more ice and less organic carbon than shown in global compilations. Excess-ice content of 20–60 %, likely remnant Laurentide basal ice, is found in upland till. This study is based on 24 boreholes up to 10 m deep. Findings highlight geology and glacial legacy as determinants of a mosaic of permafrost characteristics with potential for thaw subsidence up to several metres in some locations.
William Quinton, Aaron Berg, Michael Braverman, Olivia Carpino, Laura Chasmer, Ryan Connon, James Craig, Élise Devoie, Masaki Hayashi, Kristine Haynes, David Olefeldt, Alain Pietroniro, Fereidoun Rezanezhad, Robert Schincariol, and Oliver Sonnentag
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2015–2039, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2015-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2015-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
This paper synthesizes nearly three decades of eco-hydrological field and modelling studies at Scotty Creek, Northwest Territories, Canada, highlighting the key insights into the major water flux and storage processes operating within and between the major land cover types of this wetland-dominated region of discontinuous permafrost. It also examines the rate and pattern of permafrost-thaw-induced land cover change and how such changes will affect the hydrology and water resources of the region.
Katheryn Burd, Suzanne E. Tank, Nicole Dion, William L. Quinton, Christopher Spence, Andrew J. Tanentzap, and David Olefeldt
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 4455–4472, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-4455-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-4455-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
In this study we investigated whether climate change and wildfires are likely to alter water quality of streams in western boreal Canada, a region that contains large permafrost-affected peatlands. We monitored stream discharge and water quality from early snowmelt to fall in two streams, one of which drained a recently burned landscape. Wildfire increased the stream delivery of phosphorous and possibly increased the release of old natural organic matter previously stored in permafrost soils.
Simon Zwieback, Steven V. Kokelj, Frank Günther, Julia Boike, Guido Grosse, and Irena Hajnsek
The Cryosphere, 12, 549–564, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-549-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-12-549-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We analyse elevation losses at thaw slumps, at which icy sediments are exposed. As ice requires a large amount of energy to melt, one would expect that mass wasting is governed by the available energy. However, we observe very little mass wasting in June, despite the ample energy supply. Also, in summer, mass wasting is not always energy limited. This highlights the importance of other processes, such as the formation of a protective veneer, in shaping mass wasting at sub-seasonal scales.
Cara A. Littlefair, Suzanne E. Tank, and Steven V. Kokelj
Biogeosciences, 14, 5487–5505, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-5487-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-5487-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This study is the first to examine how permafrost slumping affects dissolved organic carbon (DOC) mobilization in landscapes dominated by glacial tills. Unlike in previous studies, we find that slumping is associated with decreased DOC concentrations in downstream systems – an effect that appears to occur via adsorption to fine-grained sediments. This work adds significantly to our understanding of varying effects of permafrost thaw on organic carbon mobilization across diverse Arctic regions.
Allison A. Oliver, Suzanne E. Tank, Ian Giesbrecht, Maartje C. Korver, William C. Floyd, Paul Sanborn, Chuck Bulmer, and Ken P. Lertzman
Biogeosciences, 14, 3743–3762, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-3743-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-3743-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Rivers draining small watersheds of the outer coastal Pacific temperate rainforest export some of the highest yields of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the world directly to the ocean. This DOC is largely derived from soils and terrestrial plants. Rainfall, temperature, and watershed characteristics such as wetlands and lakes are important controls on DOC export. This region may be significant for carbon export and linking terrestrial carbon to marine ecosystems.
Sergey V. Samsonov, Trevor C. Lantz, Steven V. Kokelj, and Yu Zhang
The Cryosphere, 10, 799–810, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-799-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-10-799-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We describe the growth of a very large diameter pingo in the Tuktoyaktuk Coastlands. Analysis of historical data showed that ground uplift initiated sometime between 1935 and 1951 following lake drainage and is largely caused by the growth of intrusive ice. This study demonstrates that satellite radar can successfully contribute to understanding the dynamics of terrain uplift in response to permafrost aggradation and ground ice development in remote polar environments.
J. E. Vonk, S. E. Tank, W. B. Bowden, I. Laurion, W. F. Vincent, P. Alekseychik, M. Amyot, M. F. Billet, J. Canário, R. M. Cory, B. N. Deshpande, M. Helbig, M. Jammet, J. Karlsson, J. Larouche, G. MacMillan, M. Rautio, K. M. Walter Anthony, and K. P. Wickland
Biogeosciences, 12, 7129–7167, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-7129-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-7129-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
In this review, we give an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding how permafrost thaw affects aquatic systems. We describe the general impacts of thaw on aquatic ecosystems, pathways of organic matter and contaminant release and degradation, resulting emissions and burial, and effects on ecosystem structure and functioning. We conclude with an overview of potential climate effects and recommendations for future research.
J. E. Vonk, S. E. Tank, P. J. Mann, R. G. M. Spencer, C. C. Treat, R. G. Striegl, B. W. Abbott, and K. P. Wickland
Biogeosciences, 12, 6915–6930, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-6915-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-6915-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
We found that dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in arctic soils and aquatic systems is increasingly degradable with increasing permafrost extent. Also, DOC seems less degradable when moving down the fluvial network in continuous permafrost regions, i.e. from streams to large rivers, suggesting that highly bioavailable DOC is lost in headwater streams. We also recommend a standardized DOC incubation protocol to facilitate future comparison on processing and transport of DOC in a changing Arctic.
J. Tang, P. A. Miller, A. Persson, D. Olefeldt, P. Pilesjö, M. Heliasz, M. Jackowicz-Korczynski, Z. Yang, B. Smith, T. V. Callaghan, and T. R. Christensen
Biogeosciences, 12, 2791–2808, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-2791-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-2791-2015, 2015
D. Olefeldt, K. J. Devito, and M. R. Turetsky
Biogeosciences, 10, 6247–6265, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-6247-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-6247-2013, 2013
C. Estop-Aragonés, K.-H. Knorr, and C. Blodau
Biogeosciences, 10, 421–436, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-421-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-421-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Biogeochemistry: Rivers & Streams
Shifts in organic matter character and microbial assemblages from glacial headwaters to downstream reaches in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
Molecular-level characterization of supraglacial dissolved and water-extractable organic matter along a hydrological flow path in a Greenland Ice Sheet micro-catchment
Seasonal and spatial pattern of dissolved organic matter biodegradation and photodegradation in boreal humic waters
The role of nitrogen and iron biogeochemical cycles in the production and export of dissolved organic matter in agricultural headwater catchments
Riverine dissolved organic matter responds to alterations differently in two distinct hydrological regimes from Northern Spain
From Iron Curtain to green belt: shift from heterotrophic to autotrophic nitrogen retention in the Elbe River over 35 years of passive restoration
The influence of burn severity on dissolved organic carbon concentrations across a stream network differs based on seasonal wetness conditions
Temporal dynamics and environmental controls of carbon dioxide and methane fluxes measured by the eddy covariance method over a boreal river
Seasonal particulate organic carbon dynamics of the Kolyma River tributaries, Siberia
Geomorphologic controls and anthropogenic impacts on dissolved organic carbon from mountainous rivers: insights from optical properties and carbon isotopes
Alkalinity generation from carbonate weathering in a silicate-dominated headwater catchment at Iskorasfjellet, northern Norway
Physical and stoichiometric controls on stream respiration in a headwater stream
Local processes with a global impact: unraveling the dynamics of gas evasion in a step-and-pool configuration
Complex dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the roof of the world – Tibetan DOM molecular characteristics indicate sources, land use effects, and processing along the fluvial–limnic continuum
Maximum respiration rates in hyporheic zone sediments are primarily constrained by organic carbon concentration and secondarily by organic matter chemistry
Glacier loss and vegetation expansion alter organic and inorganic carbon dynamics in high-mountain streams
Particulate organic matter in the Lena River and its delta: from the permafrost catchment to the Arctic Ocean
Stable isotopic evidence for the excess leaching of unprocessed atmospheric nitrate from forested catchments under high nitrogen saturation
Nitrogen isotopes reveal a particulate-matter-driven biogeochemical reactor in a temperate estuary
High-resolution vertical biogeochemical profiles in the hyporheic zone reveal insights into microbial methane cycling
Organic matter transformations are disconnected between surface water and the hyporheic zone
CO2 emissions from peat-draining rivers regulated by water pH
Effects of peatland management on aquatic carbon concentrations and fluxes
Resistance and resilience of stream metabolism to high flow disturbances
Enhanced bioavailability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in human-disturbed streams in Alpine fluvial networks
Spatial and temporal variability of pCO2 and CO2 emissions from the Dong River in south China
Fluvial carbon dioxide emission from the Lena River basin during the spring flood
Diel patterns in stream nitrate concentration produced by in-stream processes
Complex interactions of in-stream dissolved organic matter and nutrient spiralling unravelled by Bayesian regression analysis
Spatial–temporal variations in riverine carbon strongly influenced by local hydrological events in an alpine catchment
Rapid soil organic carbon decomposition in river systems: effects of the aquatic microbial community and hydrodynamical disturbance
Increased carbon capture by a silicate-treated forested watershed affected by acid deposition
Temporary and net sinks of atmospheric CO2 due to chemical weathering in subtropical catchment with mixing carbonate and silicate lithology
From canals to the coast: dissolved organic matter and trace metal composition in rivers draining degraded tropical peatlands in Indonesia
Distribution and flux of dissolved iron in the peatland-draining rivers and estuaries of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Comparisons of dissolved organic matter and its optical characteristics in small low and high Arctic catchments
High-frequency measurements explain quantity and quality of dissolved organic carbon mobilization in a headwater catchment
Dissolved inorganic nitrogen in a tropical estuary in Malaysia: transport and transformation
Behaviour of Dissolved Phosphorus with the associated nutrients in relation to phytoplankton biomass of the Rajang River-South China Sea continuum
Synchrony in catchment stream colour levels is driven by both local and regional climate
The post-monsoon carbon biogeochemistry of the Hooghly–Sundarbans estuarine system under different levels of anthropogenic impacts
Riverine particulate C and N generated at the permafrost thaw front: case study of western Siberian rivers across a 1700 km latitudinal transect
Geochemistry of the dissolved loads during high-flow season of rivers in the southeastern coastal region of China: anthropogenic impact on chemical weathering and carbon sequestration
CO2 partial pressure and CO2 emission along the lower Red River (Vietnam)
Stable isotopes of nitrate reveal different nitrogen processing mechanisms in streams across a land use gradient during wet and dry periods
Riverine carbon export in the arid to semiarid Wuding River catchment on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Use of argon to measure gas exchange in turbulent mountain streams
Reviews and syntheses: Anthropogenic perturbations to carbon fluxes in Asian river systems – concepts, emerging trends, and research challenges
Shifts in stream hydrochemistry in responses to typhoon and non-typhoon precipitation
QUAL-NET, a high temporal-resolution eutrophication model for large hydrographic networks
Hayley F. Drapeau, Suzanne E. Tank, Maria A. Cavaco, Jessica A. Serbu, Vincent L. St. Louis, and Maya P. Bhatia
Biogeosciences, 22, 1369–1391, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1369-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1369-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
From glacial headwaters to 100 km downstream, we found clear organic matter gradients in Canadian Rocky Mountain rivers. In contrast, microbial communities exhibited overall cohesion, indicating that species dispersal may be an over-riding control on community dynamics in these connected rivers. Identification of glacial-specific microbes suggests that glaciers seed headwater microbial assemblages; these findings show the importance of glacial waters and microbiomes in changing mountain systems.
Eva L. Doting, Ian T. Stevens, Anne M. Kellerman, Pamela E. Rossel, Runa Antony, Amy M. McKenna, Martyn Tranter, Liane G. Benning, Robert G. M. Spencer, Jon R. Hawkings, and Alexandre M. Anesio
Biogeosciences, 22, 41–53, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-41-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-41-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study provides the first evidence for biogeochemical cycling of supraglacial dissolved organic matter (DOM) in meltwater flowing through the porous crust of weathering ice that covers glacier ice surfaces during the melt season. Movement of water through the weathering crust is slow, allowing microbes and solar radiation to alter the DOM in glacial meltwaters. This is important as supraglacial meltwaters deliver DOM to downstream aquatic environments.
Artem V. Chupakov, Natalia V. Neverova, Anna A. Chupakova, Svetlana A. Zabelina, Liudmila S. Shirokova, Taissia Ya. Vorobyeva, and Oleg S. Pokrovsky
Biogeosciences, 21, 5725–5743, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5725-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5725-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In the boreal humic waters of a forest lake and bog, the rate of dissolved organic matter photodegradation is 4 times higher than that of biodegradation. However, given the shallow, light-penetrating layer, the biodegradation provides the largest contribution to CO2 emissions from water surfaces. Trace metals were partially removed (1–10 %) during photodegradation and biodegradation via precipitation of Fe(III) hydroxides after destabilization of organoferric colloids and organic complexes.
Thibault Lambert, Rémi Dupas, and Patrick Durand
Biogeosciences, 21, 4533–4547, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4533-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4533-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export in headwater catchments. Results show small links between DOC, nitrates, and the iron cycle throughout the year, calling into question our current conceptualization of DOC export at the catchment scale. Indeed, this study evidences that the winter period, referred as a non-productive period in our current conceptual model, acts as an active period for DOC production in riparian soils and DOC export toward stream waters.
Selin Kubilay, Edurne Estévez, José Barquín Ortiz, and Gabriel Singer
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2772, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2772, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Here, we studied how dams change the natural flow of rivers and their organic matter dynamics in Northern Spain. We found that in Atlantic rivers, natural rivers showed a higher turnover of organic material quality, which we believe is due to the interference of dams with the natural seasonal flow patterns. This suggests that Mediterranean rivers might be more resilient to flow regime alterations while Atlantic rivers lose their natural variability in organic material.
Alexander Wachholz, James W. Jawitz, and Dietrich Borchardt
Biogeosciences, 21, 3537–3550, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3537-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3537-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Human activities are rivers' main source of nitrogen, causing eutrophication and other hazards. However, rivers can serve as a natural defense mechanism against this by retaining nitrogen. We show that the Elbe River retains more nitrogen during times of high pollution. With improvements in water quality, less nitrogen is retained. We explain this with changed algal and bacterial activities, which correspond to pollution and have many implications for the river and adjacent ecosystems.
Katie A. Wampler, Kevin D. Bladon, and Allison N. Myers-Pigg
Biogeosciences, 21, 3093–3120, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3093-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3093-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Following a high-severity wildfire, we sampled 129 sites during four different times of the year across a stream network to quantify dissolved organic carbon. The results from our study suggested that dissolved organic carbon may decrease with increasing burn severity. They also suggest that landscape characteristics can override wildfire impacts, with the seasonal timing of sampling influencing the observed response of dissolved organic carbon concentrations to wildfire.
Aki Vähä, Timo Vesala, Sofya Guseva, Anders Lindroth, Andreas Lorke, Sally MacIntyre, and Ivan Mammarella
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1644, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1644, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Boreal rivers are significant sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) to the atmosphere but the controls of these emissions are uncertain. We measured four months of CO2 and CH4 exchange between a regulated boreal river and the atmosphere with eddy covariance. We found statistical relationships between the gas exchange and several environmental variables, the most important of which were dissolved CO2 partial pressure in water, wind speed, and water temperature.
Kirsi H. Keskitalo, Lisa Bröder, Tommaso Tesi, Paul J. Mann, Dirk J. Jong, Sergio Bulte Garcia, Anna Davydova, Sergei Davydov, Nikita Zimov, Negar Haghipour, Timothy I. Eglinton, and Jorien E. Vonk
Biogeosciences, 21, 357–379, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-357-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-357-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Permafrost thaw releases organic carbon into waterways. Decomposition of this carbon pool emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, enhancing climate warming. We show that Arctic river carbon and water chemistry are different between the spring ice breakup and summer and that primary production is initiated in small Arctic rivers right after ice breakup, in contrast to in large rivers. This may have implications for fluvial carbon dynamics and greenhouse gas uptake and emission balance.
Shuai Chen, Jun Zhong, Lishan Ran, Yuanbi Yi, Wanfa Wang, Zelong Yan, Si-liang Li, and Khan M. G. Mostofa
Biogeosciences, 20, 4949–4967, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4949-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4949-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This study found the source of dissolved organic carbon and its optical properties (e.g., aromaticity, humification) are related to human land use and catchment slope in anthropogenically impacted subtropical mountainous rivers. The study highlights that the combination of dual carbon isotopes and optical properties represents a useful tool in tracing the origin of dissolved organic carbon and its in-stream processes.
Nele Lehmann, Hugues Lantuit, Michael Ernst Böttcher, Jens Hartmann, Antje Eulenburg, and Helmuth Thomas
Biogeosciences, 20, 3459–3479, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3459-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3459-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Riverine alkalinity in the silicate-dominated headwater catchment at subarctic Iskorasfjellet, northern Norway, was almost entirely derived from weathering of minor carbonate occurrences in the riparian zone. The uphill catchment appeared limited by insufficient contact time of weathering agents and weatherable material. Further, alkalinity increased with decreasing permafrost extent. Thus, with climate change, alkalinity generation is expected to increase in this permafrost-degrading landscape.
Jancoba Dorley, Joel Singley, Tim Covino, Kamini Singha, Michael Gooseff, David Van Horn, and Ricardo González-Pinzón
Biogeosciences, 20, 3353–3366, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3353-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3353-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We quantified how microbial respiration is controlled by discharge and the supply of C, N, and P in a stream. We ran two rounds of experiments adding a conservative tracer, an indicator of aerobic respiration, and nutrient treatments: a) N, b) N+C, c) N+P, and d) C+N+P. Microbial respiration remained similar between rounds and across nutrient treatments. This suggests that complex interactions between hydrology, resource supply, and biological community drive in-stream respiration.
Paolo Peruzzo, Matteo Cappozzo, Nicola Durighetto, and Gianluca Botter
Biogeosciences, 20, 3261–3271, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3261-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3261-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Small cascades greatly enhance mountain stream gas emissions through the turbulent energy dissipation rate and air bubbles entrained into the water. We numerically studied the local contribution of these mechanisms driving gas transfer velocity used to quantify the outgassing. The gas evasion is primarily due to bubbles concentrated in irregular spots of limited area. Consequently, the gas exchange velocity is scale-dependent and unpredictable, posing concerns about its use in similar scenarios.
Philipp Maurischat, Michael Seidel, Thorsten Dittmar, and Georg Guggenberger
Biogeosciences, 20, 3011–3026, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3011-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3011-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Production and consumption of organic matter (OM) on the Tibetan Plateau are important for this sensitive ecosystem. We investigated the chemical composition of dissolved organic matter and the most mobile fraction of OM in glaciers, wetlands, and groundwater as well as in the rivers and a large terminal lake. Our data show that the sources differ in the molecular composition of OM, that the stream is influenced by agriculture, and that the lake strongly changes the inflowing organic matter.
James C. Stegen, Vanessa A. Garayburu-Caruso, Robert E. Danczak, Amy E. Goldman, Lupita Renteria, Joshua M. Torgeson, and Jacqueline Hager
Biogeosciences, 20, 2857–2867, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2857-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2857-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Chemical reactions in river sediments influence how clean the water is and how much greenhouse gas comes out of a river. Our study investigates why some sediments have higher rates of chemical reactions than others. We find that to achieve high rates, sediments need to have two things: only a few different kinds of molecules, but a lot of them. This result spans about 80 rivers such that it could be a general rule, helpful for predicting the future of rivers and our planet.
Andrew L. Robison, Nicola Deluigi, Camille Rolland, Nicolas Manetti, and Tom Battin
Biogeosciences, 20, 2301–2316, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2301-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2301-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Climate change is affecting mountain ecosystems intensely, including the loss of glaciers and the uphill migration of plants. How these changes will affect the streams draining these landscapes is unclear. We sampled streams across a gradient of glacier and vegetation cover in Switzerland and found glacier loss reduced the carbon dioxide sink from weathering, while vegetation cover increased dissolved organic carbon in the stream. These changes are important to consider for mountains globally.
Olga Ogneva, Gesine Mollenhauer, Bennet Juhls, Tina Sanders, Juri Palmtag, Matthias Fuchs, Hendrik Grotheer, Paul J. Mann, and Jens Strauss
Biogeosciences, 20, 1423–1441, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-1423-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-1423-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Arctic warming accelerates permafrost thaw and release of terrestrial organic matter (OM) via rivers to the Arctic Ocean. We compared particulate organic carbon (POC), total suspended matter, and C isotopes (δ13C and Δ14C of POC) in the Lena delta and Lena River along a ~1600 km transect. We show that the Lena delta, as an interface between the Lena River and the Arctic Ocean, plays a crucial role in determining the qualitative and quantitative composition of OM discharged into the Arctic Ocean.
Weitian Ding, Urumu Tsunogai, Fumiko Nakagawa, Takashi Sambuichi, Masaaki Chiwa, Tamao Kasahara, and Ken'ichi Shinozuka
Biogeosciences, 20, 753–766, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-753-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-753-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
By monitoring the concentration and Δ17O of stream nitrate in three forested streams, the new nitrogen saturation index of forested catchments (Matm/Datm ratio) was estimated. We found that (1) the unprocessed atmospheric nitrate in our studied forested stream (FK1 catchment) was the highest ever reported in forested streams; (2) the Matm/Datm ratio can be used as a robust index for evaluating nitrogen saturation in forested catchments as the Matm/Datm ratio is independent of the precipitation.
Kirstin Dähnke, Tina Sanders, Yoana Voynova, and Scott D. Wankel
Biogeosciences, 19, 5879–5891, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-5879-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-5879-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Nitrogen is an important macronutrient that fuels algal production in rivers and coastal regions. We investigated the production and removal of nitrogen-bearing compounds in the freshwater section of the tidal Elbe Estuary and found that particles in the water column are key for the production and removal of water column nitrate. Using a stable isotope approach, we pinpointed regions where additional removal of nitrate or input from sediments plays an important role in estuarine biogeochemistry.
Tamara Michaelis, Anja Wunderlich, Ömer K. Coskun, William Orsi, Thomas Baumann, and Florian Einsiedl
Biogeosciences, 19, 4551–4569, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4551-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4551-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The greenhouse gas methane (CH4) drives climate change. Microorganisms in river sediments produce CH4 when degrading organic matter, but the contribution of rivers to atmospheric CH4 concentrations is uncertain. To better understand riverine CH4 cycling, we measured concentration profiles of CH4 and relevant reactants that might influence the CH4 cycle. We found substantial CH4 production, especially in fine, organic-rich sediments during summer and signs of microbial CH4 consumption.
James C. Stegen, Sarah J. Fansler, Malak M. Tfaily, Vanessa A. Garayburu-Caruso, Amy E. Goldman, Robert E. Danczak, Rosalie K. Chu, Lupita Renteria, Jerry Tagestad, and Jason Toyoda
Biogeosciences, 19, 3099–3110, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-3099-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-3099-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Rivers are vital to Earth, and in rivers, organic matter (OM) is an energy source for microbes that make greenhouse gas and remove contaminants. Predicting Earth’s future requires understanding how and why river OM is transformed. Our results help meet this need. We found that the processes influencing OM transformations diverge between river water and riverbed sediments. This can be used to build new models for predicting the future of rivers and, in turn, the Earth system.
Alexandra Klemme, Tim Rixen, Denise Müller-Dum, Moritz Müller, Justus Notholt, and Thorsten Warneke
Biogeosciences, 19, 2855–2880, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2855-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2855-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Tropical peat-draining rivers contain high amounts of carbon. Surprisingly, measured carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from those rivers are comparatively moderate. We compiled data from 10 Southeast Asian rivers and found that CO2 production within these rivers is hampered by low water pH, providing a natural threshold for CO2 emissions. Furthermore, we find that enhanced carbonate input, e.g. caused by human activities, suspends this natural threshold and causes increased CO2 emissions.
Amy E. Pickard, Marcella Branagan, Mike F. Billett, Roxane Andersen, and Kerry J. Dinsmore
Biogeosciences, 19, 1321–1334, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1321-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1321-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Peatlands have been subject to a range of land management regimes over the past century. This has affected the amount of carbon that drains into surrounding streams and rivers. In our study, we measured carbon concentrations in streams draining from drained, non-drained, and restored areas of the Flow Country blanket bog in N Scotland. We found that drained peatland had higher concentrations and fluxes of carbon relative to non-drained areas. Restored peatland areas were highly variable.
Brynn O'Donnell and Erin R. Hotchkiss
Biogeosciences, 19, 1111–1134, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1111-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1111-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A stream is defined by flowing water, but higher flow from storms is also a frequent disturbance. This paper tests how higher flow changes stream metabolism (respiration and photosynthesis, R and P). P was less resistant to changes in flow compared to R, and P took longer to recover from storms than R (2.2 versus 0.6 d). Further work on metabolic responses to flow disturbance is critical given projected increases in storms and the influence of higher flows on ecosystem health and functioning.
Thibault Lambert, Pascal Perolo, Nicolas Escoffier, and Marie-Elodie Perga
Biogeosciences, 19, 187–200, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-187-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-187-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The bacterial mineralization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in inland waters contributes to CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Human activities affect DOM sources. However, the implications on DOM mineralization are poorly known. Combining sampling and incubations, we showed that higher bacterial respiration in agro-urban streams related to a labile pool from aquatic origin. Therefore, human activities may have a limited impact on the net carbon exchanges between inland waters and atmosphere.
Boyi Liu, Mingyang Tian, Kaimin Shih, Chun Ngai Chan, Xiankun Yang, and Lishan Ran
Biogeosciences, 18, 5231–5245, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-5231-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-5231-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Spatial and temporal patterns of pCO2 in the subtropical Dong River basin were mainly affected by C inputs and in-stream metabolism, both of which varied due to differential catchment settings, land cover, and hydrological conditions. CO2 fluxes in the wet season were 2-fold larger than in the dry season due to high pCO2 and turbulence caused by high flow velocity. The absence of high CO2 fluxes in small rivers could be associated with the depletion effect caused by abundant precipitation.
Sergey N. Vorobyev, Jan Karlsson, Yuri Y. Kolesnichenko, Mikhail A. Korets, and Oleg S. Pokrovsky
Biogeosciences, 18, 4919–4936, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4919-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4919-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In order to quantify riverine carbon (C) exchange with the atmosphere in permafrost regions, we report a first assessment of CO2 and CH4 concentration and fluxes of the largest permafrost-affected river, the Lena River, during the peak of spring flow. The results allowed identification of environmental factors controlling GHG concentrations and emission in the Lena River watershed; this new knowledge can be used for foreseeing future changes in C balance in permafrost-affected Arctic rivers.
Jan Greiwe, Markus Weiler, and Jens Lange
Biogeosciences, 18, 4705–4715, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4705-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-4705-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We analyzed variability in diel nitrate patterns at three locations in a lowland stream. Comparison of time lags between monitoring sites with water travel time indicated that diel patterns were created by in-stream processes rather than transported downstream from an upstream point of origin. Most of the patterns (70 %) could be explained by assimilatory nitrate uptake. The remaining patterns suggest seasonally varying dominance and synchronicity of different biochemical processes.
Matthias Pucher, Peter Flödl, Daniel Graeber, Klaus Felsenstein, Thomas Hein, and Gabriele Weigelhofer
Biogeosciences, 18, 3103–3122, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3103-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3103-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Dissolved organic matter is an important carbon source in aquatic ecosystems, yet the uptake processes are not totally understood. We found evidence for the release of degradation products, efficiency loss in the uptake with higher concentrations, stimulating effects, and quality-dependent influences from the benthic zone. To conduct this analysis, we included interactions in the equations of the nutrient spiralling concept and solve it with a Bayesian non-linear fitting algorithm.
Xin Wang, Ting Liu, Liang Wang, Zongguang Liu, Erxiong Zhu, Simin Wang, Yue Cai, Shanshan Zhu, and Xiaojuan Feng
Biogeosciences, 18, 3015–3028, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3015-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3015-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We show a comprehensive monitoring dataset on the discharge and carbon transport in a small alpine river on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, where riverine carbon increased downstream in the pre-monsoon season due to an increasing contribution of organic matter derived from seasonal permafrost thaw while it fluctuated in the monsoon season induced by sporadic precipitation. These results indicate a high sensitivity of riverine carbon in alpine headwater catchments to local hydrological events.
Man Zhao, Liesbet Jacobs, Steven Bouillon, and Gerard Govers
Biogeosciences, 18, 1511–1523, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-1511-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-1511-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We investigate the relative importance of two individual factors (hydrodynamical disturbance and aquatic microbial community) that possibly control SOC decomposition rates in river systems. We found aquatic microbial organisms led to rapid SOC decomposition, while effect of mechanical disturbance is relative minor. We propose a simple conceptual model: hydrodynamic disturbance is only important when soil aggregates are strong enough to withstand the disruptive forces imposed by water immersions.
Lyla L. Taylor, Charles T. Driscoll, Peter M. Groffman, Greg H. Rau, Joel D. Blum, and David J. Beerling
Biogeosciences, 18, 169–188, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-169-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-169-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy involving soil amendments with silicate rock dust. Over 15 years, a small silicate application led to net CDR of 8.5–11.5 t CO2/ha in an acid-rain-impacted New Hampshire forest. We accounted for the total carbon cost of treatment and compared effects with an adjacent, untreated forest. Our results suggest ERW can improve the greenhouse gas balance of similar forests in addition to mitigating acid rain effects.
Yingjie Cao, Yingxue Xuan, Changyuan Tang, Shuai Guan, and Yisheng Peng
Biogeosciences, 17, 3875–3890, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-3875-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-3875-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
About half of the global CO2 sequestration due to chemical weathering occurs in warm and high-runoff regions. To evaluate the temporary and net sinks of atmospheric CO2 due to chemical weathering, we selected a typical subtropical catchment as our study area and did fieldwork to sample surface water along the main channel and major tributaries in 1 hydrological year. The result of mass balance calculation showed that human activities dramatically decreased the CO2 net sink.
Laure Gandois, Alison M. Hoyt, Stéphane Mounier, Gaël Le Roux, Charles F. Harvey, Adrien Claustres, Mohammed Nuriman, and Gusti Anshari
Biogeosciences, 17, 1897–1909, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1897-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1897-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Worldwide, peatlands are important sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and trace metals (TMs) to surface waters, and these fluxes may increase with peatland degradation. In Southeast Asia, tropical peatlands are being rapidly deforested and drained. This work aims to address the fate of organic carbon and its role as a trace metal carrier in drained peatlands of Indonesia.
Xiaohui Zhang, Moritz Müller, Shan Jiang, Ying Wu, Xunchi Zhu, Aazani Mujahid, Zhuoyi Zhu, Mohd Fakharuddin Muhamad, Edwin Sien Aun Sia, Faddrine Holt Ajon Jang, and Jing Zhang
Biogeosciences, 17, 1805–1819, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1805-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1805-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This study offered detailed information on dFe concentrations, distribution and the magnitude of yield in the Rajang River, the largest river in Malaysia. Three blackwater rivers, draining from peatlands, were also included in our study. Compared with the Rajang River, the dFe concentrations and yield from three blackwater rivers were much higher. The precipitation and agricultural activities, such as palm oil plantations, may markedly increase the concentration dFe in these tropical rivers.
Caroline Coch, Bennet Juhls, Scott F. Lamoureux, Melissa J. Lafrenière, Michael Fritz, Birgit Heim, and Hugues Lantuit
Biogeosciences, 16, 4535–4553, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-4535-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-4535-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Climate change affects Arctic ecosystems. This includes thawing of permafrost (ground below 0 °C) and an increase in rainfall. Both have substantial impacts on the chemical composition of river water. We compared the composition of small rivers in the low and high Arctic with the large Arctic rivers. In comparison, dissolved organic matter in the small rivers is more susceptible to degradation; thus, it could potentially increase carbon dioxide emissions. Rainfall events have a similar effect.
Benedikt J. Werner, Andreas Musolff, Oliver J. Lechtenfeld, Gerrit H. de Rooij, Marieke R. Oosterwoud, and Jan H. Fleckenstein
Biogeosciences, 16, 4497–4516, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-4497-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-4497-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration in streams can pose a threat to downstream water resources. Analyzing data from an in-stream probe we found that hydroclimatic and hydrological drivers can describe up to 72 % of the observed DOC concentration and composition variability. Variability was found to be highest during discharge events with warm and dry preconditions. The findings suggest an impact of climate change on DOC exports and thus also on downstream water quality.
Shan Jiang, Moritz Müller, Jie Jin, Ying Wu, Kun Zhu, Guosen Zhang, Aazani Mujahid, Tim Rixen, Mohd Fakharuddin Muhamad, Edwin Sien Aun Sia, Faddrine Holt Ajon Jang, and Jing Zhang
Biogeosciences, 16, 2821–2836, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-2821-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-2821-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Three cruises were conducted in the Rajang River estuary, Malaysia. The results revealed that the decomposition of terrestrial organic matter and the subsequent soil leaching were the main sources of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in the fresh river water. Porewater exchange and ammonification enhanced DIN concentrations in the estuary water, while intensities of DIN addition varied between seasons. The riverine DIN flux could reach 101.5 ton(N) / d, supporting the coastal primary producers.
Edwin Sien Aun Sia, Jing Zhang, Shan Jiang, Zhuoyi Zhu, Gonzalo Carrasco, Faddrine Holt Jang, Aazani Mujahid, and Moritz Müller
Biogeosciences Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2019-219, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2019-219, 2019
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Nutrient loads carried by large rivers and discharged into the continental shelf and coastal waters are vital to support primary production. Our knowledge of tropical river systems is fragmented with very few seasonal studies available for Southeast Asia (SEA). We present data from three sampling campaigns on the longest river in Malaysia, the Rajang river. Our results show the generalization of SEA as a nutrient hotspot might not hold true for all regions and requires further investigation.
Brian C. Doyle, Elvira de Eyto, Mary Dillane, Russell Poole, Valerie McCarthy, Elizabeth Ryder, and Eleanor Jennings
Biogeosciences, 16, 1053–1071, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-1053-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-1053-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
This study explores the drivers of variation in the water colour of rivers, and hence organic carbon export, in a blanket peatland catchment. We used 6 years of weekly river water colour data (2011 to 2016) from three proximate river sub-catchments in western Ireland. in tandem with a range of topographical, hydrological and climate data, to discover the principle environmental drivers controlling changes in colour concentration in the rivers.
Manab Kumar Dutta, Sanjeev Kumar, Rupa Mukherjee, Prasun Sanyal, and Sandip Kumar Mukhopadhyay
Biogeosciences, 16, 289–307, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-289-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-289-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
The study focused on understanding C biogeochemistry of two adjacently located estuaries undergoing different levels of anthropogenic stresses. Different parameters related to C cycling were measured in an anthropogenically influenced and a mangrove-dominated estuary. Although the entire estuarine system acted as a source of carbon dioxide to the regional atmosphere, emission approximately 17 times higher was noticed from the anthropogenically affected estuary compared to mangrove-dominated one.
Ivan V. Krickov, Artem G. Lim, Rinat M. Manasypov, Sergey V. Loiko, Liudmila S. Shirokova, Sergey N. Kirpotin, Jan Karlsson, and Oleg S. Pokrovsky
Biogeosciences, 15, 6867–6884, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-6867-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-6867-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We tested the effect of climate, permafrost and physio-geographical landscape parameters on particulate C, N and P concentrations in small- and medium- sized rivers in the Western Siberian Lowland (WSL). We discovered a maximum of particulate C and N concentrations at the beginning of the permafrost appearance. A northward shift of permafrost boundaries may increase the particulate C and N export by WSL rivers to the Arctic Ocean by a factor of 2.
Wenjing Liu, Zhifang Xu, Huiguo Sun, Tong Zhao, Chao Shi, and Taoze Liu
Biogeosciences, 15, 4955–4971, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-4955-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-4955-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The southeastern coastal region is the top acid-rain-impacted area in China. It is worth evaluating the acid deposition impacts on chemical weathering and CO2 consumption there. River water geochemistry evidenced an overestimation of CO2 sequestration if H2SO4/HNO3 involvement was ignored, which accounted for 33.6 % of the total flux by silicate weathering in this area. This study quantitatively highlights the anthropogenic acid effects on chemical weathering and associated CO2 consumption.
Thi Phuong Quynh Le, Cyril Marchand, Cuong Tu Ho, Nhu Da Le, Thi Thuy Duong, XiXi Lu, Phuong Kieu Doan, Trung Kien Nguyen, Thi Mai Huong Nguyen, and Duy An Vu
Biogeosciences, 15, 4799–4814, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-4799-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-4799-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
The Red River is a typical south-east Asian river, strongly affected by climate and human activity. This study showed the spatial and seasonal variability of CO2 emissions at the water–air interface of the lower part of this river due to natural conditions (meteo-hydrological-geomorphological characteristics) and human activities (dam impoundment, population, land use). The Red River water was supersaturated with CO2, providing a mean water–air CO2 flux of 530 ± 17 mmol m−2 d−1.
Wei Wen Wong, Jesse Pottage, Fiona Y. Warry, Paul Reich, Keryn L. Roberts, Michael R. Grace, and Perran L. M. Cook
Biogeosciences, 15, 3953–3965, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3953-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3953-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Over-enrichment of nitrate can pose substantial risk to the quality of freshwater ecosystems. Hence, understanding the dynamics of nitrate is the key to better management of waterways. This study evaluates the relationship between the effects of land use and rainfall on the major sources and processing of nitrate within and between five streams in five catchments spanning an agricultural land use gradient. We found that rainfall exerted significant control over the fate of nitrate.
Lishan Ran, Mingyang Tian, Nufang Fang, Suiji Wang, Xixi Lu, Xiankun Yang, and Frankie Cho
Biogeosciences, 15, 3857–3871, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3857-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3857-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We systematically assessed the transport and fate of riverine carbon in the moderate-sized Wuding catchment on the Chinese Loess Plateau by constructing a riverine carbon budget and further relating it to terrestrial ecosystem productivity. The riverine carbon export accounted for 16 % of the catchment's net ecosystem production (NEP). It seems that a significant fraction of terrestrial NEP in this catchment is laterally transported from the terrestrial biosphere to the drainage network.
Robert O. Hall Jr. and Hilary L. Madinger
Biogeosciences, 15, 3085–3092, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3085-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3085-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Streams exchange oxygen with the atmosphere, but this rate is difficult to measure. We added argon to small mountain streams to estimate gas exchange. We compared these rates with sulfur hexafluoride, an intense greenhouse gas. Argon worked well to measure gas exchange, but had higher-than-predicted rates than sulfur hexafluoride. Argon exchange is more likely to represent that for oxygen because they share similar physical properties. We suggest argon to measure gas exchange in small streams.
Ji-Hyung Park, Omme K. Nayna, Most S. Begum, Eliyan Chea, Jens Hartmann, Richard G. Keil, Sanjeev Kumar, Xixi Lu, Lishan Ran, Jeffrey E. Richey, Vedula V. S. S. Sarma, Shafi M. Tareq, Do Thi Xuan, and Ruihong Yu
Biogeosciences, 15, 3049–3069, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3049-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3049-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Human activities are drastically altering water and material flows in river systems across Asia. This review provides a conceptual framework for assessing the human impacts on Asian river C fluxes and an update on anthropogenic alterations of riverine C fluxes, focusing on the impacts of water pollution and river impoundments on CO2 outgassing from the rivers draining South, Southeast, and East Asian regions that account for the largest fraction of river discharge and C exports from Asia.
Chung-Te Chang, Jr-Chuan Huang, Lixin Wang, Yu-Ting Shih, and Teng-Chiu Lin
Biogeosciences, 15, 2379–2391, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-2379-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-2379-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Our analysis of ion input–output budget illustrates that hydrochemical responses to typhoon storms are distinctly different from those of regular storms. In addition, even mild land use change may have large impacts on nutrient exports/losses. We propose that hydrological models should separate hydrochemical processes into regular and extreme conditions to better capture the whole spectrum of hydrochemical responses to a variety of climate conditions.
Camille Minaudo, Florence Curie, Yann Jullian, Nathalie Gassama, and Florentina Moatar
Biogeosciences, 15, 2251–2269, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-2251-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-2251-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We developed the model QUALity-NETwork (QUAL-NET) to simulate water quality variations in large drainage networks. This model is accurate enough to represent processes occurring over short periods of time such as storm events and helps to fully understand water quality variations in stream networks in the context of climate change and varying human pressures. It was tested on the Loire River and provided good performances and a new understanding of the functioning of the river.
Cited articles
Anderson, S. P.:
Biogeochemistry of Glacial Landscape Systems,
Annu. Rev. Earth Pl. Sc.,
35(1), 375–399, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.earth.35.031306.140033, 2007.
Beaulieu, E., Goddéris, Y., Donnadieu, Y., Labat, D., and Roelandt, C.:
High sensitivity of the continental-weathering carbon dioxide sink to future climate change,
Nat. Clim. Change,
J2, 346–349, https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate1419, 2012.
Berner, R. A.:
Weathering, plants, and the long-term carbon cycle,
Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac.,
56, 3225–3231, 1992.
Berner, R. A.:
A new look at the long-term carbon cycle,
GSA Today,
9, 1–6, 1999.
Biskaborn, B. K., Smith, S. L., Noetzli, J., Matthes, H., Vieira, G., Streletskiy, D. A., Schoeneich, P., Romanovsky, V. E., Lewkowicz, A. G., Abramov, A., Allard, M., Boike, J., Cable, W. L., Christiansen, H. H., Delaloye, R., Diekmann, B., Drozdov, D., Etzelmüller, B., Grosse, G., Guglielmin, M., Ingeman-Nielsen, T., Isaksen, K., Ishikawa, M., Johansson, M., Johannsson, H., Joo, A., Kaverin, D., Kholodov, A., Konstantinov, P., Kröger, T., Lambiel, C., Lanckman, J.-P., Luo, D., Malkova, G., Meiklejohn, I., Moskalenko, N., Oliva, M., Phillips, M., Ramos, M., Sannel, A. B. K., Sergeev, D., Seybold, C., Skryabin, P., Vasiliev, A., Wu, Q., Yoshikawa, K., Zheleznyak, M., and Lantuit, H.: Permafrost is warming at a global scale,
Nat. Commun.,
10, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-08240-4, 2019.
Bronaugh, D. and Werner, A.:
zyp: Zhang + Yue-Pilon trends package,
Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium,
available at: https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=zyp (last access: 28 February 2020), 2013.
Calmels, D., Gaillardet, J., Brenot, A., and France-Lanord, C.:
Sustained sulfide oxidation by physical erosion processes in the Mackenzie River basin: Climatic perspectives,
Geology,
35, 1003–1006, https://doi.org/10.1130/G24132A.1, 2007.
Campeau, A., Bishop, K., Nilsson, M. B., Klemedtsson, L., Laudon, H., Leith, F. I., Öquist, M., and Wallin, M. B.:
Stable Carbon Isotopes Reveal Soil-Stream DIC Linkages in Contrasting Headwater Catchments,
J. Geophys. Res.-Biogeo.,
123, 149–167, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JG004083, 2018.
Clark, I. D. and Fritz, P.:
Environmental isotopes in hydrogeology,
CRC Press/Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, FL, 1997.
Crawford, J. T., Striegl, R. G., Wickland, K. P., Dornblaser, M. M., and Stanley, E. H.:
Emissions of carbon dioxide and methane from a headwater stream network of interior Alaska,
J. Geophys. Res.-Biogeo.,
118, 482–494, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgrg.20034, 2013.
Cray, H. A. and Pollard, W. H.:
Vegetation Recovery Patterns Following Permafrost Disturbance in a Low Arctic Setting: Case Study of Herschel Island, Yukon, Canada,
Arct. Antarct. Alp. Res.,
47, 99–113, https://doi.org/10.1657/AAAR0013-076, 2015.
Descolas-Gros, C. and Fontungne, M.:
Stable carbon isotope fractionation by marine phytoplankton during photosynthesis,
Plant Cell Environ.,
13, 207–218, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3040.1990.tb01305.x, 1990.
Didan, K.:
MOD13Q1 MODIS/Terra Vegetation Indices 16-Day L3 Global 250m SIN Grid V006 [Data set], NASA EOSDIS Land Processes DAAC,
https://doi.org/doi: 10.5067/MODIS/MOD13Q1.006, 2015.
Doctor, D. H., Kendall, C., Sebestyen, S. D., Shanley, J. B., Ohte, N., and Boyer, E. W.:
Carbon isotope fractionation of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) due to outgassing of carbon dioxide from a headwater stream,
Hydrol. Process.,
22, 2410–2423, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.6833, 2008.
Drake, T. W., Tank, S. E., Zhulidov, A. V., Holmes, R. M., Gurtovaya, T., and Spencer, R. G. M.:
Increasing Alkalinity Export from Large Russian Arctic Rivers,
Environ. Sci. Technol.,
52, 8302–8308, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.8b01051, 2018a.
Drake, T. W., Guillemette, F., Hemingway, J. D., Chanton, J. P., Podgorski, D. C., Zimov, N. S., and Spencer, R. G. M.:
The Ephemeral Signature of Permafrost Carbon in an Arctic Fluvial Network,
J. Geophys. Res.-Biogeo.,
123, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1029/2017JG004311, 2018b.
Duk-Rodkin, A. and Hughes, O. L.: Surficial geology, Fort McPherson-Bell River, Yukon-Northwest Territories,
Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa, Canada, 1992.
Evans, J. S., Oakleaf, J., Cushman, S. A., and Theobald, D.:
An ArcGIS Toolbox for Surface Gradient and Geomorphometric Modeling, version 2.0-0,
available at: http://evansmurphy.wix.com/evansspatial (last access: 2 December 2015), 2014.
Gaillardet, J., Dupré, B., Louvat, P., and Allegre, C. J.:
Global silicate weathering and CO2 consumption rates deduced from the chemistry of large rivers,
Chem Geol.,
159, 3–30, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(99)00031-5, 1999.
Gentsch, N., Mikutta, R., Shibistova, O., Wild, B., Schnecker, J., Richter, A., Urich, T., Gittel, A., Šantrůčková, H., Bárta, J., Lashchinskiy, N., Mueller, C. W., Fuß, R., and Guggenberger, G.:
Properties and bioavailability of particulate and mineral-associated organic matter in Arctic permafrost soils, Lower Kolyma Region, Russia,
Eur. J. Soil Sci.,
66, 722–734, https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12269, 2015.
Gordon, N. D., McMahon, T. A., Finlayson, B. L., Gippel, C. J., and Nathan, R. J. (eds.):
Stream hydrology: an introduction for ecologists, 2nd edn.,
Wiley, Chichester, West Sussex, England; Hoboken, N.J., 2004.
Hamilton, S. K. and Ostrom, N. E.:
Measurement of the stable isotope ratio of dissolved N2 in 15N tracer experiments,
Limnol. Oceanogr.-Meth.,
5, 233–240, 2007.
Hesslein, R. H., Rudd, J. W. M., Kelly, C., Ramlal, P., and Hallard, K. A.:
Carbon dioxide pressure in surface waters of Canadian lakes,
in: Air-Water Mass Transfer: Selected Papers from the Second International Symposium on Gas Transfer at Water Surfaces,
edited by: Wilhelms, S. C. and Gulliver, J. S.,
American Society of Civil Engineers, New York, New York, 413–431, 1991.
Hilton, R. G. and West, A. J.:
Mountains, erosion and the carbon cycle,
Nat. Rev. Earth Environ.,
1, 284–299, https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-020-0058-6, 2020.
Hitchon, B. and Krouse, H. R.:
Hydrogeochemistry of the surface waters of the Mackenzie River drainage basin, Canada-III. Stable isotopes of oxygen, carbon and sulphur,
Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac.,
36, 1337–1357, 1972.
Horgby, Å., Boix Canadell, M., Ulseth, A. J., Vennemann, T. W., and Battin, T. J.:
High-Resolution Spatial Sampling Identifies Groundwater as Driver of CO2 Dynamics in an Alpine Stream Network,
J. Geophys. Res.-Biogeo.,
124, 1961–1976, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JG005047, 2019.
Hornby, D. D.:
RivEX (Version 10.25),
available at: http://www.rivex.co.uk (last access: 21 February 2020), 2017.
Hotchkiss, E. R., Hall Jr, R. O., Sponseller, R. A., Butman, D., Klaminder, J., Laudon, H., Rosvall, M., and Karlsson, J.:
Sources of and processes controlling CO2 emissions change with the size of streams and rivers,
Nat. Geosci.,
8, 696–699, https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo2507, 2015.
Huete, A., Didan, K., Miura, T., Rodriguez, E. P., Gao, X., and Ferreira, L. G.:
Overview of the radiometric and biophysical performance of the MODIS vegetation indices,
Remote Sens. Environ.,
83, 195–213, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0034-4257(02)00096-2, 2002.
Hutchins, R. H. S., Prairie, Y. T., and del Giorgio, P. A.:
Large-Scale Landscape Drivers of CO2, CH4, DOC, and DIC in Boreal River Networks,
Global Biogeochem. Cy.,
33, 125–142, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GB006106, 2019.
Hutchins, R. H. S., Tank, S. E., Olefeldt, D., Quinton, W. L., Spence, C., Dion, N., Estop-Aragonés, C., and Mengistu, S. G.:
Fluvial CO2 and CH4 patterns across wildfire-disturbed ecozones of subarctic Canada: Current status and implications for future change,
Glob. Change Biol.,
26, 2304–2319, https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14960, 2020.
Kendall, C., Doctor, D. H., and Young, M. B.:
Environmental Isotope Applications in Hydrologic Studies,
in: Treatise on Geochemistry, vol. 7,
edited by: Holland, H. D. and Turekian, K. K.,
Elsevier, Oxford, 273–327, 2014.
Kokelj, S. V., Lacelle, D., Lantz, T. C., Tunnicliffe, J., Malone, L., Clark, I. D., and Chin, K. S.:
Thawing of massive ground ice in mega slumps drives increases in stream sediment and solute flux across a range of watershed scales,
J. Geophys. Res.-Earth,
118, 681–692, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgrf.20063, 2013.
Kokelj, S. V., Tunnicliffe, J., Lacelle, D., Lantz, T. C., Chin, K. S., and Fraser, R.:
Increased precipitation drives mega slump development and destabilization of ice-rich permafrost terrain, northwestern Canada,
Global Biogeochem. Cy.,
129, 56–68, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2015.02.008, 2015.
Kokelj, S. V., Lantz, T. C., Tunnicliffe, J., Segal, R., and Lacelle, R.:
Climate-driven thaw of permafrost preserved glacial landscapes, northwestern Canada,
Geology,
45, 371–374, https://doi.org/10.1130/G38626.1, 2017a.
Kokelj, S. V., Tunnicliffe, J. F., and Lacelle, D.:
The Peel Plateau of Northwestern Canada: An Ice-Rich Hummocky Moraine Landscape in Transition,
in:
Landscapes and Landforms of Western Canada,
edited by:
Slaymaker, O.,
Springer International Publishing, Cham, 109–122, 2017b.
Kuznetsova, A., Brockhoff, P. B., and Christensen, R. H. B.:
Package “lmerTest.”,
The Comprehensive R Archive Network, 2018.
Lacelle, D., Fontaine, M., Pellerin, A., Kokelj, S. V., and Clark, I. D.:
Legacy of Holocene Landscape Changes on Soil Biogeochemistry: A Perspective From Paleo-Active Layers in Northwestern Canada,
J. Geophys. Res.-Biogeo.,
124, 2662–2679, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JG004916, 2019.
Lafrenière, M. J. and Sharp, M. J.:
The Concentration and Fluorescence of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) in Glacial and Nonglacial Catchments: Interpreting Hydrological Flow Routing and DOC Sources,
Arct. Antarct. Alp. Res.,
36, 156–165, 2004.
Lehn, G. O., Jacobson, A. D., Douglas, T. A., McClelland, J. W., Barker, A. J., and Khosh, M. S.:
Constraining seasonal active layer dynamics and chemical weathering reactions occurring in North Slope Alaskan watersheds with major ion and isotope (δ34SSO4, δ13CDIC, 87Sr∕86Sr, δ44∕40Ca, and δ44∕42Ca) measurements,
Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac.,
217, 399–420, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2017.07.042, 2017.
Levenstein, B., Culp, J. M., and Lento, J.:
Sediment inputs from retrogressive thaw slumps drive algal biomass accumulation but not decomposition in Arctic streams, NWT,
Freshwater Biol.,
63, 1300–1315, https://doi.org/10.1111/fwb.13158, 2018.
Littlefair, C. A., Tank, S. E., and Kokelj, S. V.: Retrogressive thaw slumps temper dissolved organic carbon delivery to streams of the Peel Plateau, NWT, Canada, Biogeosciences, 14, 5487–5505, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-5487-2017, 2017.
Lurry, D. L. and Kolbe, C. M.:
Interagency Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data,
USGS,
United States Geological Survey, Austin, TX, 2000.
Malone, L., Lacelle, D., Kokelj, S., and Clark, I. D.:
Impacts of hillslope thaw slumps on the geochemistry of permafrost catchments (Stony Creek watershed, NWT, Canada),
Chem. Geol.,
356, 38–49, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2013.07.010, 2013.
Millero, F. J.:
The thermodynamics of the carbonate system in seawater,
Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac.,
43, 1651–1661, 1979.
Mook, W. G., Bommerson, J. C., and Staverman, W. H.:
Carbon isotope fractionation between dissolved bicarbonate and gaseous carbon dioxide,
Earth Planet. Sc. Lett.,
22, 169–176, 1974.
Norris, D. K.:
Geology of the Northern Yukon and Northwestern District of Mackenzie,
Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa, Canada, 1985.
Olefeldt, D., Goswami, S., Grosse, G., Hayes, D., Hugelius, G., Kuhry, P., McGuire, A. D., Romanovsky, V. E., Sannel, A. B. K., Schuur, E. A. G., and Turetsky, M. R.:
Circumpolar distribution and carbon storage of thermokarst landscapes,
Nat. Commun.,
7, 13043, https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms13043, 2016.
Parkhurst, D. I. and Appelo, C. A. J.:
Description of input and examples for PHREEQC version 3 – A computer program for speciation, batch-reaction, one-dimensional transport, and inverse geochemical calculations, vol. A43, p. 497,
U.S. Geological Survey,
available at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/06/a43 (last access: 13 September 2018), 2013.
Pierrot, D., Lewis, E., and Wallace, D. W. R.:
MS Excel program developed for CO2 system calculations,
available at: https://doi.org/10.3334/CDIAC/otg.CO2SYS_XLS_CDIAC105a,
Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 2006.
Piper, A. M.:
A graphic procedure in the geochemical interpretation of water-analyses,
Eos T. Am. Geophys. Un.,
25, 914, https://doi.org/10.1029/TR025i006p00914, 1944.
Poulin, B. A., Ryan, J. N., and Aiken, G. R.:
Effects of Iron on Optical Properties of Dissolved Organic Matter,
Environ. Sci. Technol.,
48, 10098–10106, https://doi.org/10.1021/es502670r, 2014.
R Core Team:
R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing, R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria,
available at: http://www.r-project.org/ (last access: 15 September 2020), 2018.
Rawlins, M. A., Steele, M., Holland, M. M., Adam, J. C., Cherry, J. E., Francis, J. A., Groisman, P. Y., Hinzman, L. D., Huntington, T. G., Kane, D. L., Kimball, J. S., Kwok, R., Lammers, R. B., Lee, C. M., Lettenmaier, D. P., McDonald, K. C., Podest, E., Pundsack, J. W., Rudels, B., Serreze, M. C., Shiklomanov, A., Skagseth, Ø., Troy, T. J., Vörösmarty, C. J., Wensnahan, M., Wood, E. F., Woodgate, R., Yang, D., Zhang, K., and Zhang, T.:
Analysis of the Arctic System for Freshwater Cycle Intensification: Observations and Expectations,
J. Climate,
23, 5715–5737, https://doi.org/10.1175/2010JCLI3421.1, 2010.
Riley, S. J., DeGloria, S. D., and Elliot, R.:
A terrain ruggedness index that quantifies topographic heterogeneity,
Int. J. Sci.,
5, 23–27, 1999.
Sander, R.: Compilation of Henry's law constants (version 4.0) for water as solvent, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 4399–4981, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-4399-2015, 2015.
Schuur, E. A. G., McGuire, A. D., Schädel, C., Grosse, G., Harden, J. W., Hayes, D. J., Hugelius, G., Koven, C. D., Kuhry, P., Lawrence, D. M., Natali, S. M., Olefeldt, D., Romanovsky, V. E., Schaefer, K., Turetsky, M. R., Treat, C. C., and Vonk, J. E.:
Climate change and the permafrost carbon feedback,
Nature,
520, 171–179, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature14338, 2015.
Segal, R. A., Lantz, T. C., and Kokelj, S. V.:
Acceleration of thaw slump activity in glaciated landscapes of the Western Canadian Arctic,
Environ. Res. Lett.,
11, 034025, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/11/3/034025, 2016.
Serreze, M. C. and Barry, R. G.:
Processes and impacts of Arctic amplification: A research synthesis,
Global Biogeochem. Cy.,
77, 85–96, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2011.03.004, 2011.
Shakil, S., Tank, S. E., Kokelj, S. V., Vonk, J. E., and Zolkos, S.:
Particulate dominance of organic carbon mobilization from thaw slumps on the Peel Plateau, NT: Quantification and implications for stream systems and permafrost carbon release,
Environ. Res. Lett., accepted, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/abac36, 2020.
Sharp, M., Tranter, M., Brown, G. H., and Skidmore, M.:
Rates of chemical denudation and CO2 drawdown in a glacier-covered alpine catchment,
Geology,
23, 61–64, 1995.
St. Pierre, K. A., St. Louis, V. L., Schiff, S. L., Lehnherr, I., Dainard, P. G., Gardner, A. S., Aukes, P. J. K., and Sharp, M. J.:
Proglacial freshwaters are significant and previously unrecognized sinks of atmospheric CO2,
P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,
116, 17690–17695, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1904241116, 2019.
Stallard, R. F. and Edmond, J. M.:
Geochemistry of the Amazon: 2. The Influence of Geology and Weathering Environment on the Dissolved Load,
J. Geophys. Res.,
88, 9671–9688, 1983.
Striegl, R. G., Dornblaser, M. M., Aiken, G. R., Wickland, K. P., and Raymond, P. A.:
Carbon export and cycling by the Yukon, Tanana, and Porcupine rivers, Alaska, 2001–2005,
Water Resour. Res.,
43, 1–9, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006WR005201, 2007.
Stubbins, A., Silva, L. M., Dittmar, T., and Van Stan, J. T.:
Molecular and Optical Properties of Tree-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter in Throughfall and Stemflow from Live Oaks and Eastern Red Cedar,
Front. Earth Sci.,
5, 1–13, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2017.00022, 2017.
Stumm, W. and Morgan, J. J.:
Aquatic Chemistry: Chemical Equilibria and Rates in Natural Waters, 3rd edn.,
John Wiley & Son, Inc., New York, 1996.
Tank, S. E., Striegl, R. G., McClelland, J. W., and Kokelj, S. V.:
Multi-decadal increases in dissolved organic carbon and alkalinity flux from the Mackenzie drainage basin to the Arctic Ocean,
Environ. Res. Lett.,
11, 054015, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/11/5/054015, 2016.
Tank, S. E., Vonk, J. E., Walvoord, M. A., McClelland, J. W., Laurion, I., and Abbott, B. W.:
Landscape matters: Predicting the biogeochemical effects of permafrost thaw on aquatic networks with a state factor approach,
Permafrost Periglac.,
31, 358–370, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp.2057, 2020.
Toohey, R. C., Herman-Mercer, N. M., Schuster, P. F., Mutter, E. A., and Koch, J. C.:
Multidecadal increases in the Yukon River Basin of chemical fluxes as indicators of changing flowpaths, groundwater, and permafrost,
Geophys. Res. Lett.,
43, 12120–12130, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016GL070817, 2016.
Torres, M. A., Moosdorf, N., Hartmann, J., Adkins, J. F., and West, A. J.:
Glacial weathering, sulfide oxidation, and global carbon cycle feedbacks,
P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,
114, 8716–8721, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1702953114, 2017.
Turetsky, M. R., Abbott, B. W., Jones, M. C., Walter Anthony, K., Olefeldt, D., Schuur, E. A. G., Grosse, G., Kuhry, P., Hugelius, G., Koven, C., Lawrence, D. M., Gibson, C., Sannel, A. B. K., and McGuire, A. D.:
Carbon release through abrupt permafrost thaw,
Nat. Geosci.,
13, 138–143, 2020.
Turner, J. V.:
Kinetic fractionation of carbon-13 during calcium carbonate precipitation,
Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac.,
46, 1183–1191, https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(82)90004-7, 1982.
van der Sluijs, J., Kokelj, S. V., Fraser, R. H., Tunnicliffe, J., and Lacelle, D.:
Permafrost Terrain Dynamics and Infrastructure Impacts Revealed by UAV Photogrammetry and Thermal Imaging,
Remote Sens.-Basel,
30, 1–30, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs10111734, 2018.
Vonk, J. E., Tank, S. E., Mann, P. J., Spencer, R. G. M., Treat, C. C., Striegl, R. G., Abbott, B. W., and Wickland, K. P.: Biodegradability of dissolved organic carbon in permafrost soils and aquatic systems: a meta-analysis, Biogeosciences, 12, 6915–6930, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-6915-2015, 2015.
Vonk, J. E., Tank, S. E., and Walvoord, M. A.:
Integrating hydrology and biogeochemistry across frozen landscapes,
Nat. Commun.,
10, 5377, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-13361-5, 2019.
Wadham, J. L., Hawkings, J. R., Tarasov, L., Gregoire, L. J., Spencer, R. G. M., Gutjahr, M., Ridgwell, A., and Kohfeld, K. E.:
Ice sheets matter for the global carbon cycle,
Nat. Commun.,
10, 3567, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-11394-4, 2019.
Walvoord, M. A. and Kurylyk, B. L.:
Hydrologic Impacts of Thawing Permafrost – A Review,
Vadose Zone J.,
15, 1–20, https://doi.org/10.2136/vzj2016.01.0010, 2016.
Weishaar, J. L., Aiken, G. R., Bergamaschi, B. A., Fram, M. S., Fujii, R., and Mopper, K.:
Evaluation of Specific Ultraviolet Absorbance as an Indicator of the Chemical Composition and Reactivity of Dissolved Organic Carbon,
Environ. Sci. Technol.,
37, 4702–4708, https://doi.org/10.1021/es030360x, 2003.
Weiss, R. F.:
Carbon dioxide in water and seawater: the solubility of a non-ideal gas,
Mar. Chem.,
2, 203–215, 1974.
Wiesenburg, D. A. and Guinasso, N. L.:
Equilibrium solubilities of methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen in water and sea water,
J. Chem. Eng. Data,
24, 356–360, 1979.
Yue, S., Pilon, P., Phinney, B., and Cavadias, G.:
The influence of autocorrelation on the ability to detect trend in hydrological series,
Hydrol. Process.,
16, 1807–1829, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.1095, 2002.
Zhang, J., Quay, P. D., and Wilbur, D. O.:
Carbon isotope fractionation during gas-water exchange and dissolution of CO2,
Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac.,
59, 107–114, 1995.
Zolkos, S. and Tank, S. E.:
Experimental Evidence That Permafrost Thaw History and Mineral Composition Shape Abiotic Carbon Cycling in Thermokarst-Affected Stream Networks,
Front. Earth Sci.,
8, 1–17, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.00152, 2020.
Zolkos, S., Tank, S. E., and Kokelj, S. V.:
Mineral Weathering and the Permafrost Carbon-Climate Feedback,
Geophys. Res. Lett.,
45, 9623–9632, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL078748, 2018.
Zolkos, S., Tank, S. E., Striegl, R. G., and Kokelj, S. V.:
Thermokarst Effects on Carbon Dioxide and Methane Fluxes in Streams on the Peel Plateau (NWT, Canada),
J. Geophys. Res.-Biogeo.,
124, 1781–1798, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JG005038, 2019.
Zuur, A. F. (ed.):
Mixed effects models and extensions in ecology with R,
Springer, New York, NY, 2009.
Zuur, A. F., Ieno, E. N., and Elphick, C. S.:
A protocol for data exploration to avoid common statistical problems,
Methods Ecol. Evol.,
1, 3–14, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2041-210X.2009.00001.x, 2010.
Short summary
High-latitude warming thaws permafrost, exposing minerals to weathering and fluvial transport. We studied the effects of abrupt thaw and associated weathering on carbon cycling in western Canada. Permafrost collapse affected < 1 % of the landscape yet enabled carbonate weathering associated with CO2 degassing in headwaters and increased bicarbonate export across watershed scales. Weathering may become a driver of carbon cycling in ice- and mineral-rich permafrost terrain across the Arctic.
High-latitude warming thaws permafrost, exposing minerals to weathering and fluvial transport....
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint