Global patterns and drivers of ecosystem functioning in rivers and riparian zones

Scott D. Tiegs, David M. Costello, Mark W. Isken, Guy Woodward, Peter B. McIntyre, Mark O. Gessner, Eric Chauvet, Natalie A. Griffiths, Alexander S. Flecker, Vicenç Acuña, Ricardo J. Albariño, Daniel C. Allen, Cecilia Alonso, Patricio Andino, Clay Arango, Jukka Aroviita, Marcus V. M. Barbosa, Leon A. Barmuta, Colden V. Baxter, Jose Checo Colón-Gaud

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159 Scopus citations
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Abstract

River ecosystems receive and process vast quantities of terrestrial organic carbon, the fate of which depends strongly on microbial activity. Variation in and controls of processing rates, however, are poorly characterized at the global scale. In response, we used a peer-sourced research network and a highly standardized carbon processing assay to conduct a global-scale field experiment in greater than 1000 river and riparian sites. We found that Earth's biomes have distinct carbon processing signatures. Slow processing is evident across latitudes, whereas rapid rates are restricted to lower latitudes. Both the mean rate and variability decline with latitude, suggesting temperature constraints toward the poles and greater roles for other environmental drivers (e.g., nutrient loading) toward the equator. These results and data set the stage for unprecedented "next-generation biomonitoring" by establishing baselines to help quantify environmental impacts to the functioning of ecosystems at a global scale.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbereaav0486
JournalScience advances
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

Scopus Subject Areas

  • General

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