Aquatic biogeochemistry

Greenhouse gas dynamics in the ground- and surface waters

Freshwaters are an important component of the global carbon (C) cycle, emitting large amounts of the important greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane. Yet, the magnitude, variability and mechanisms of C exchange between the atmosphere and freshwaters remain poorly quantified. Here, we address several key unknowns in the role of freshwaters in the carbon cycle:

• What is the function of groundwater in land-atmosphere carbon exchange?
• What are the detailed mechanisms of carbon gas exchange between surface waters and the atmosphere?
• How is carbon cycling in ground- and surface waters affected by land management and climate change?

To address these questions, we perform field studies that include a comprehensive network of groundwater wells and sampling sites in lakes and streams, focusing on the Krycklan Catchment study and Trollberget experimental area. We also rely on sophisticated field equipment for estimating air-water gas exchange (flux chambers, portable greenhouse gas analyzer), turbulence (Acoustic Doppler Velocity meter) and gas bubbles (Acoustic Bubble Spectrometer).