Topic: Environment

Scientists found that two blackwater lakes in the Congo Basin are releasing ancient carbon into the atmosphere. This is surprising because it was thought that this carbon would remain locked away for thousands of years.

Tropical swamps and peatlands play a crucial role in Earth's carbon cycle. The Congo Basin, in particular, has one-third of all carbon stored in tropical peatlands worldwide. However, these ecosystems have not been extensively studied due to their remote location. A team led by ETH Zurich has been investigating the Congo Basin more closely over the past decade and made some surprising discoveries.

Their recent study published in Nature Geoscience found that two blackwater lakes, Lac Mai Ndombe and Lac Tumba, are releasing substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The origin of this carbon was unexpected - up to 40% of it comes from peat that accumulated thousands of years ago.

The researchers determined this by analyzing the age of the dissolved CO2 using radiocarbon dating. They found that the ancient carbon is being released via the lake, which could have implications for the global climate.

Why It Matters

This discovery matters because it helps us understand how carbon stored in peatlands can be released into the atmosphere. As the climate changes, this information can help improve global climate models and predict how much carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere.

Key Facts

• The Congo Basin stores about one-third of all carbon held in tropical peatlands worldwide.
• Two blackwater lakes, Lac Mai Ndombe and Lac Tumba, are releasing substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
• Up to 40% of the released carbon comes from peat that accumulated thousands of years ago.
• The researchers used radiocarbon dating to determine the age of the dissolved CO2.
• This discovery can help improve global climate models and predict how much carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere.

Key Terms

Radiocarbon dating

A method scientists use to determine the age of organic materials

Implications

This discovery matters because it helps us understand how carbon stored in peatlands can be released into the atmosphere. As the climate changes, this information can help improve global climate models and predict how much carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere.