Climate Variability Controls on CO₂ Consumption Fluxes and Carbon Dynamics for Monsoonal Rivers: Evidence From Xijiang River, Southwest China

Abstract

Abstract The feedbacks of climate variability on CO 2 consumption fluxes and carbon dynamics are thought to play an important role in moderating the global carbon cycle. High‐frequency sampling campaigns and analyses were conducted in this study to investigate temporal variations of river water chemistry and the impacts of climate variability on CO 2 consumption fluxes and carbon dynamics for the Xijiang River, Southwest China. Physical processes modify biogeochemical processes, so major ions display different responses to changing discharge. The annual CO 2 consumption rate is (6.8 ± 0.2) × 10 6 ton/year by carbonate weathering and (2.4 ± 0.3) × 10 6 ton/year by silicate weathering. The annual CO 2 consumption flux is much higher than most world rivers, and strong CO 2 consumption capacities are observed in catchments in Southwest China. Lower negative δ 13 C DIC values are found in the high‐flow season which corresponds with high temperatures compared to those in the low‐flow season. High discharge will accelerate material transport, and high temperatures will increase primary production in the catchment, both of which can be responsible for the shift of δ 13 C DIC values in the high‐flow season. Increased mineral weathering and biological carbon influx in the catchment are the main factors controlling carbon dynamics. Overall, these findings highlight the sensitivity of CO 2 consumption fluxes and carbon dynamics in response to climate variability in the riverine systems.