Carbon Dioxide Supersaturation in the Surface Waters of Lakes

• DOI: 10.1126/science.265.5178.1568
• Publication Date: 2006-10-06T00:01:25Z
• Authors: Jonathan J. Cole; Nina F. Caraco; George W. Kling; Timothy K. Kratz
• Keywords: Supersaturation; Sink (geography); Partial pressure; Carbon sink; Carbon fibers

Data on the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) in surface waters from a large number lakes (1835) with worldwide distribution show that only small proportion 4665 samples analyzed (less than 10 percent) were within +/-20 percent equilibrium atmosphere and most (87 supersaturated. The mean CO(2) averaged 1036 microatmospheres, about three times value overlying atmosphere, indicating are sources rather sinks atmospheric CO(2). On global scale, potential efflux (about 0.14 x 10(15) grams per year) is half as riverine transport organic plus inorganic to ocean. Lakes but potentially important conduit for terrestrial sink.