High resolution measurements of greenhouse gas dynamics in temporarily stratifying lakes

It is increasingly clear that fresh waters, especially lakes, can be sources of greenhouse gases (GHG), in particular methane. Human activity, through eutrophication of lakes and rivers, has altered GHG dynamics causing a shift to greater release methane. Temperature increase is predicted to elevate methane emissions and climate change driven heat waves will lead to more frequent short-term stratification events in shallow lakes. How this will affect methane dynamics is not well understood. This project will measure methane and stratification patterns in a shallow lake at high-frequency providing high-resolution data on GHG dynamics in lakes vulnerable to climate change impacts. This will allow us to predict and ameliorate potential positive feedbacks with climate change.