In the last two decades, the important role of inland fresh waters (lakes, rivers, reservoirs, ponds) in processing large amounts of organic carbon and emitting greenhouse gases has been recognised. However, measurements of lake GHG emissions are limited, and current estimates are very uncertain, because they are mostly based on indirect methods and short term field measurements. At the moment, a comprehensive, continuous and long-term lake energy and GHGs exchange measurement network does not exist.
The GHG-LAKE joint research programme aims to increase mobility and exchange of researchers between Sweden, Finland, Russia and USA to obtain better understanding of energy and greenhouse gases (methane and carbon dioxide) budgets in lake ecosystems at high-latitude, which are potentially sensitive to on-going and future climate changes. Factors controlling the carbon cycles are investigated by means of existing and new field measurements and process based modelling.
Inland fresh waters play important roles in carbon cycling aand emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). Data are limited, however, and current estimates very uncertain. To develop better measurement techniques is crucial. This project engages researchers in Sweden, Finland, Russia and USA in order to better understand energy and GHG budgets in lake ecosystems at high-latitudes, which are potentially sensitive to on-going and future climate changes.
