Aquatic systems have recently been discovered to cover much larger areas than previously thought and potentially play an important role in the global biogeochemical cycles. Despite this discovery little is yet known about the magnitude of elemental cycles in these systems, the regulation of these cycles by physical and chemical factors, and their dynamics over time. The session includes contributions analyzing biogeochemical processes and cycles in these ecosystems and the hydrological and biogeochemical interactions with the surrounding watersheds. Of particular interest are contributions dealing with all aspects of carbon cycling, carbon sequestration and carbon and methane exchange with the atmosphere, as well as studies reporting on modeling efforts.
The session will improve our understanding of similarities and differences of aquatic systems with different morphologies, land-cover, anthropogenic impacts and climate, and provide new insights into global fluxes.