COSEE Ocean Systems: News
The global carbon budget: proper accounting means paying attention to inland waters
Description: On Earth, carbon is continually cycling through terrestrial systems, inland waters, the ocean, and the atmosphere. Until little over a decade ago, when calculating the terrestrial component of the global carbon budget, inputs were limited to the ocean and the land. Because inland water bodies cover less than 1% of the Earth's surface, it was assumed that their contribution was inconsequential. The fact is that half of the terrestrial carbon entering inland waters is destined for a fate outside of the ocean's salty shores. [Source: Institute of Ecosystem Studies]
URL: http://www.ecostudies.org/NCEAS.html
Availability: Summary
Source: Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Publish Date: 4/3/2007
Reading Level: Basic
Page Length: 2

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