REfining terreStrial carbon expoRt vIa observations of the deep cRitical zonE (RESPIRE)

The export of carbon (C) from terrestrial ecosystems to the hydrosphere is a critical, but poorly quantified component of the global C cycle. Observations from rivers have shown global increase in dissolved inorganic and organic C over recent decades. However, drivers of this increase remain largely unknown due to the complex and highly dynamic processes. A major uncertainty in the global flux of dissolved C to the oceans is the limited understanding of the production, processing, transport, and consumption of C in the deeper subsurface (> 1m depth) before transport to the aquatic continuum. 

The aims of this project are: 

1. to assess the factors contributing to the overall export of C from the Critical Zone, 
2. to provide more accurate estimates of terrestrial C export to the global river network, and 
3. to test the sensitivity of C export, and potential changes in the relative contribution from its sources to the increasing drought conditions in mild-latitude European forests.