RECENT RIVERINE CARBON OF THE YELLOW RIVER: FLUXES, OUTGASSING AND BURIAL

Abstract

Riverine carbon transport is an important component of global carbon cycle. Based on historical records and recent sampling during the period 2011-2012, the riverine carbon transport characteristics in the Yellow River were qualitatively and quantitatively investigated. Due to chemical weathering occurring in the basin, 0.628 Mt of atmospheric CO2 is consumed annually. In addition, the Yellow River basin as a whole acts as a carbon source for the atmosphere. Approximately, 1.05-4.19 Mt of CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere per year as a result of organic carbon decomposition and CO2 emission across the water-air interface. Organic carbon transport in the Yellow River has been significantly affected by human activities. While a large amount of organic carbon has been buried on land, the seaward fluxes have been greatly reduced over the past decades. The obtained conclusions will shed light on a deeper understanding of global carbon budget and global climate change.