14 JAN 2025 (TUE) 11:35-11:55

Carbon Emissions from China’s Inland Waters 

Ms LI Yuxin

( Supervisor: Prof Lishan Ran )

Abstract:

China's inland waters, including streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, are vast and diverse, and they collectively emit a large quantity of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) into the atmosphere, which play a crucial role in China's carbon budget assessments. Variability in carbon emissions across different water bodies is influenced by multiple factors, encompassing climate, geomorphology, hydrology, and anthropogenic activities. Despite their significance, however, research quantifying the total flux of carbon emissions from these inland systems and identifying its long-term trends under global change has been hampered by a lack of comprehensive spatiotemporal data. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap by employing machine learning models to simulate CO2 and CH4 emissions from three inland water systems, including lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, by utilizing a combination of in situ measurements and remote sensing data. The overall objectives of this study are (1) to analyze historical trends of CO2 and CH4 emissions from China’s inland waters; (2) to project future CO2 and CH4 emissions under different climate scenarios; and (3) to assess the impact of extreme weather events on CO2 and CH4 emissions from these aquatic ecosystems across China. The findings of this research are expected to enhance the understanding of carbon emissions dynamics in China's inland waters, particularly in the context of global warming, increasing frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events, and accelerating anthropogenic perturbations. Ultimately, the insights gained from this study will inform improved carbon management strategies and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.