A new study suggest that streams in boreal forests, which covers almost half the Earth, emit more carbon dioxide than previously thought. (Photo credit : Marcus B. Wallin)
Streams in the boreal forest emit more carbon dioxide than previously thought, a new study shows.
Researchers discovered that previous studies on CO2 emissions from lakes and groundwater only studied the endpoints of streams and rivers. Studying carbon isotopes ratios from various points in groundwater allowed the researchers discovered previously unaccounted for CO2 emissions.
The boreal forest covers an area the size of Russia, but the length and number of streams in it is unknown, making it difficult to estimate the total amount of carbon emissions.
Original research paper published in the journal PLoS ONE on July 24, 2014.
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