Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2025
08:09
Measuring and Mapping Patterns of Soil Erosion and Deposition Related to Soil Carbonate Concentrations Under Agricultural Management
Published on: September 12, 2017
11.9K
High Dissolved Carbon Concentration in Arid Rocky Mountain Streams
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802-1204, Pennsylvania, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|March 10, 2023
Summary
Mountain warming intensifies aridity, threatening water availability. Studies show increased dissolved carbon concentrations in arid mountain streams, indicating deteriorating water quality and potential future CO2 emissions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Mountain warming exacerbates aridity and impacts global water availability.
- The effects of mountain warming on stream water quality remain poorly understood.
- Dissolved organic and inorganic carbon are key indicators of water quality and soil carbon dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term impacts of warming on stream water quality in the Rocky Mountains.
- To analyze concentrations and fluxes of dissolved carbon in relation to aridity and climate.
- To understand how future climate change may affect carbon export and water quality in mountain ecosystems.
Main Methods:
- Collation of long-term stream concentration and flux data for dissolved organic and inorganic carbon.
- Analysis across over 100 streams in the United States Rocky Mountains.
- Application of a watershed reactor model to assess carbon export dynamics.
Main Results:
- Higher mean dissolved carbon concentrations were observed in more arid mountain streams with lower mean discharge.
- Less lateral dissolved carbon export occurred in arid watersheds due to reduced water flow, leading to accumulation.
- Cold, steep mountains with higher snow fraction and lower vegetation cover exhibited lower concentrations but higher discharge and carbon fluxes.
Conclusions:
- Warming-induced intensification of aridity leads to decreased lateral dissolved carbon export and increased concentrations in mountain streams.
- These changes signify deteriorating water quality in mountain regions.
- Future warming may result in elevated CO2 emissions directly from land in mountain areas, impacting climate feedback loops.
Keywords:
Rocky Mountainscarbon cyclesclimate changedissolved organic carbonlateral carbon exportreactive transportsoil respirationwater qualityMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:09Turbulent Flow: Problem Solving
169
Carbonation is a process used to dissolve carbon dioxide gas in a liquid, commonly used in the production of carbonated beverages. Achieving efficient carbonation requires careful control of temperature, pressure, and flow conditions. By adjusting these parameters, carbonation efficiency can be maximized, producing a higher concentration of CO2 in the liquid.
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures...
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures...
169
04:01Factors Affecting Solubility
33.7K
Compared with pure water, the solubility of an ionic compound is less in aqueous solutions containing a common ion (one also produced by dissolution of the ionic compound). This is an example of a phenomenon known as the common ion effect, which is a consequence of the law of mass action that may be explained using Le Chȃtelier’s principle. Consider the dissolution of silver iodide:
33.7K
01:14The Carbon Cycle
39.0K
Carbon is the basis of all organic matter on Earth, and is recycled through the ecosystem in two primary processes: one in which carbon is exchanged among living organisms, and one in which carbon is cycled over long periods of time through fossilized organic remains, weathering of rocks, and volcanic activity. Human activities, including increased agricultural practices and the burning of fossil fuels, has greatly affected the balance of the natural carbon cycle.
39.0K
01:19Carbon Dioxide Transport in the Blood
2.2K
Carbon dioxide (CO2) transport in the blood is critical to human physiology. On average, our body cells produce around 200 mL of CO2 per minute, precisely the quantity expelled by the lungs. This process involves the transportation of CO2 from the tissue cells to the lungs in three primary forms.
Forms of CO2 Transport
1. Dissolved in plasma: A small percentage (7-10%) of CO2 is transported and dissolved directly in the plasma.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin: Just over 20% of CO2 is chemically bound to...
Forms of CO2 Transport
1. Dissolved in plasma: A small percentage (7-10%) of CO2 is transported and dissolved directly in the plasma.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin: Just over 20% of CO2 is chemically bound to...
2.2K
01:22The Sulfur Cycle
45.5K
Sulfur, an important element in the chemical makeup of proteins, is recycled through the atmosphere and aquatic and terrestrial environments. Found in the atmosphere as sulfur dioxide (SO2), sulfur is released by decaying organisms, weathered rocks, geothermal vents, volcanos, and burning fossil fuels. It is deposited into the ecosystem, cycled through the biotic community, and either released back into the atmosphere as gas or deposited in marine sediment for long-term storage and eventual...
45.5K
03:07Solubility Equilibria
52.9K
Solubility equilibria are established when the dissolution and precipitation of a solute species occur at equal rates. These equilibria underlie many natural and technological processes, ranging from tooth decay to water purification. An understanding of the factors affecting compound solubility is, therefore, essential to the effective management of these processes. This section applies previously introduced equilibrium concepts and tools to systems involving dissolution and precipitation.
The...
The...
52.9K