Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Carbon Fluxes from Surface Waters in Tropical, Alpine, Headwater Catchments

The Andean Páramo of South America is an ecosystem with some of the highest water fluxes and carbon storage per unit area on Earth. The Páramo is characterized by thick soils, high soil organic content, short vegetative cover, and for playing a key role in the hydrologic cycle from regional to continental scales. We analyzed the role of landscape heterogeneity and structure on the distribution and flux of CO2 to the atmosphere, based on a suite of field measurements performed over seven weeks and detailed terrain analysis. Our preliminary findings demonstrate that the rates of CO2 efflux from surface waters are more variable than previously thought. This high variability is attributed to landscape influences on both physical and biological drivers of CO2 production and flux. Our findings represent a first step in understanding ecosystem carbon cycling at the interface of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in tropical, alpine, headwater catchments.