Abstract
AbstractDissolved organic carbon (DOC) transport and export from headwater forests into freshwaters in highly dynamic tropical catchments are still understudied. Here we present a DOC analysis (2017) in a pristine and small (~2.6 km2) tropical catchment of Costa Rica. Storm flows governed a rapid surface and lateral allochthonous DOC transport (62.2% of the annual DOC export). Cross‐correlation analysis of rainfall and stream discharge indicated that DOC transport occurred on average ~1.25 hr after the rainfall maxima, with large contributions of event water, ranging from 42.4±0.3% up to 98.2±0.3% of the total discharge. Carbon export flux (annual mean=6.7±0.1 g C · m‐2 · year‐1) was greater than values reported in subtropical and temperate catchments. Specific ultraviolet absorbance indicated a mixture of hydrophobic humic and hydrophilic nonhumic matter during both baseflow and storm events. Our results highlight the rapid storm‐driven DOC transport and export as well as low biogeochemical attenuation during baseflow episodes in a climate sensitive hot spot. By understanding the key factors controlling the amount of organic carbon transported to streams in dynamic tropical landscapes, better global‐ and catchment‐scale model assessments, conservation practices, and water treatment innovations can be identified.
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