Climate Change and Dissolved Organic Carbon in Lakes
Author Information
Author(s): Allison M. Herreid, Hannah M. Fazekas, Sarah J. Nelson, Adam S. Wymore, Desneiges Murray, Ruth K. Varner, William H. McDowell
Primary Institution: University of New Hampshire
Hypothesis
The relative influence of atmospheric deposition would decline over time and the relative importance of climate drivers would increase.
Conclusion
The study found that climate factors have become the primary drivers of dissolved organic carbon concentrations in historically acidified lakes, surpassing the influence of atmospheric deposition.
Supporting Evidence
- Climate has increasingly influenced dissolved organic carbon concentrations over the past 40 years.
- Watershed characteristics, such as soil texture and depth, significantly affect dissolved organic carbon variability.
- Rainier winters lead to higher spring dissolved organic carbon concentrations in lakes.
Takeaway
As winters get warmer and wetter, lakes are getting more dissolved organic carbon, which can affect water quality and ecosystems.
Methodology
The study used structural equation modeling to analyze 40 years of data from 16 lakes, assessing the effects of climate, atmospheric deposition, and watershed characteristics on dissolved organic carbon concentrations.
Limitations
The study's results may be influenced by the limited number of lakes sampled in earlier periods.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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