A global dataset of carbon pumping by the world’s largest tropical rivers

Abstract

The eco-morphodynamic activity of large tropical rivers interacts with riparian vegetation causing implications for the carbon cycle within inland waters. Through a multi-temporal analysis of satellite data spanning the years 2000–2019, we analyzed rivers exceeding 200 m in width across the tropical regions, revealing a Carbon Pump mechanism driving an annual mobilization of 12.45 million tons of organic carbon. The study identifies fluvial eco-morphological signatures as proxies for carbon mobilization, emphasizing the link between river migration and carbon dynamics. To enhance accessibility, our results are encapsulated in a visually compelling WebGIS application, offering a comprehensive understanding of the eco-geomorphological influences on the global carbon cycle within large tropical rivers. Our findings are instrumental in determining the carbon intensity of future hydropower dams, thereby contributing to informed decision-making in the realm of sustainable energy infrastructure. This study elucidates the intricate relationships that govern the nexus of tropical river dynamics, riparian ecosystems, and the global carbon cycle.