US EditionRivers release ancient carbon stored in landscapes for millennia back into atmosphere, study reveals
- An international team led by University of Bristol scientists revealed in 2025 that rivers worldwide emit carbon dioxide and methane from both recent and ancient sources.
- Researchers discovered that more than half of the carbon emitted comes from long-stored carbon reservoirs located deep within soils and weathered rock, dating back hundreds to thousands of years.
- The study utilized radiocarbon dating on samples collected from numerous river sections spanning 26 nations on every continent except Antarctica to identify the age and origins of the carbon present.
- Globally, rivers emit about two gigatons of carbon annually, with an estimated 60% coming from old carbon stores, while human emissions range from 10 to 15 gigatons per year.
- These findings challenge prior assumptions about carbon cycling, implying a need to revise global carbon budgets and climate strategies to account for ancient carbon emissions from rivers.
13 Articles
13 Articles
A new report cited by New Scientist warns that close to 60% of river carbon emissions come from old deposits, forcing rethinking global climate change strategies and reviewing known carbon balances
Rivers release ancient carbon stored in landscapes for millennia back into atmosphere, study reveals
A new study has revealed for the first time that ancient carbon, stored in landscapes for thousands of years or more, can find its way back to the atmosphere as CO₂ is released from the surfaces of rivers.
Ancient carbon released through modern rivers
A global analysis reveals that most carbon dioxide emitted by rivers derives not from modern plant material, as was thought, but from ancient, buried carbon. A global analysis reveals that most carbon dioxide emitted by rivers derives not from modern plant material, as was thought, but from ancient, buried carbon.
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