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River ecosystem metabolism and carbon biogeochemistry in a changing world

Author

Listed:
  • Tom J. Battin

    (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL))

  • Ronny Lauerwald

    (Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR ECOSYS)

  • Emily S. Bernhardt

    (Duke University)

  • Enrico Bertuzzo

    (Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia)

  • Lluís Gómez Gener

    (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)

  • Robert O. Hall

    (University of Montana)

  • Erin R. Hotchkiss

    (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)

  • Taylor Maavara

    (University of Leeds)

  • Tamlin M. Pavelsky

    (University of North Carolina)

  • Lishan Ran

    (The University of Hong Kong
    The University of Hong Kong)

  • Peter Raymond

    (Yale University)

  • Judith A. Rosentreter

    (Yale University
    Southern Cross University)

  • Pierre Regnier

    (Université Libre de Bruxelles)

Abstract

River networks represent the largest biogeochemical nexus between the continents, ocean and atmosphere. Our current understanding of the role of rivers in the global carbon cycle remains limited, which makes it difficult to predict how global change may alter the timing and spatial distribution of riverine carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions. Here we review the state of river ecosystem metabolism research and synthesize the current best available estimates of river ecosystem metabolism. We quantify the organic and inorganic carbon flux from land to global rivers and show that their net ecosystem production and carbon dioxide emissions shift the organic to inorganic carbon balance en route from land to the coastal ocean. Furthermore, we discuss how global change may affect river ecosystem metabolism and related carbon fluxes and identify research directions that can help to develop better predictions of the effects of global change on riverine ecosystem processes. We argue that a global river observing system will play a key role in understanding river networks and their future evolution in the context of the global carbon budget.

Suggested Citation

  • Tom J. Battin & Ronny Lauerwald & Emily S. Bernhardt & Enrico Bertuzzo & Lluís Gómez Gener & Robert O. Hall & Erin R. Hotchkiss & Taylor Maavara & Tamlin M. Pavelsky & Lishan Ran & Peter Raymond & Jud, 2023. "River ecosystem metabolism and carbon biogeochemistry in a changing world," Nature, Nature, vol. 613(7944), pages 449-459, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:613:y:2023:i:7944:d:10.1038_s41586-022-05500-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05500-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Hayes, D.S. & Bruno, M.C. & Alp, M. & Boavida, I. & Batalla, R.J. & Bejarano, M.D. & Noack, M. & Vanzo, D. & Casas-Mulet, R. & Vericat, D. & Carolli, M. & Tonolla, D. & Halleraker, J.H. & Gosselin, M., 2023. "100 key questions to guide hydropeaking research and policy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    2. Chang Gao & Yueyang Du & Yuhao Zhao & Yingqiao Jia & Jiansheng Wu, 2024. "Response of Low Carbon Level to Transportation Efficiency in Megacities: A Case Study of Beijing, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Chen Zhang & Can Xu & Tianbao Huang & Liankai Zhang & Jinjiang Yang & Guiren Chen & Xiongwei Xu & Fuyan Zou & Zihao Liu & Zhenhui Wang, 2024. "Dynamic Replacement of Soil Inorganic Carbon under Water Erosion," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-16, July.

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