Abstract

Lateral CH4 inputs to Arctic lakes through groundwater discharge could be substantial and constitute an important pathway that links CH4 production in thawing permafrost to atmospheric emissions via lakes. Yet, groundwater CH4 inputs and associated drivers are hitherto poorly constrained because their dynamics and spatial variability are largely unknown. Here, we unravel the important role and drivers of groundwater discharge for CH4 emissions from Arctic lakes. Spatial patterns across lakes suggest groundwater inflows are primarily related to lake depth and wetland cover. Groundwater CH4 inputs to lakes are higher in summer than in autumn and are influenced by hydrological (groundwater recharge) and biological drivers (CH4 production). This information on the spatial and temporal patterns on groundwater discharge at high northern latitudes is critical for predicting lake CH4 emissions in the warming Arctic, as rising temperatures, increasing precipitation, and permafrost thawing may further exacerbate groundwater CH4 inputs to lakes.CH4 inputs to Arctic lakes via groundwater discharge are an important pathway that links CH4 production in thawing permafrost to emission via lakes. Here the authors unravel the role and drivers of groundwater inflows for CH4 emissions from Arctic lakes.

Published in

Nature Communications
2022, Volume: 13, number: 1, article number: 3667
Publisher: NATURE PORTFOLIO

SLU Authors

• Olid, Carolina

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Umeå University
  • University of Barcelona

• Rocher-Ros, Gerard

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Umea University

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all


UKÄ Subject classification

Climate Research


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31219-1

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/123087