How Are Greenhouse Gases Coupled Across Seasons in a Large Temperate River with Differential Land Use?

Rivers are known to emit large amounts of greenhouse gases globally, however, few studies have evaluated the interacting influence of land use, within river features (for example, sites of major confluence, changes in shape), and hydrology on the coupled dynamics of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Here, we measured CO2, CH4 and N2O concentrations and fluxes at 15 sites along a 146.6 km stretch of the main stem of a large north temperate river: the Riviere du Nord, which experiences an abrupt change in geology and land use and winter ice cover. Each site along the river was sampled once per season, at targeted low flow and high flow moments, for three consecutive years. Overall, highest concentrations of all gases were found in the lower reaches where urban and agricultural activity are most intensive. CO2 and N2O were highest overall under ice during winter, whereas CH4 was highest during summer. The river was always supersaturated in CH4 whereas surface water was occasionally undersaturated in N2O and CO2, particularly during the summer low flow period in pristine upper reaches. Spatial variability was, however, minimized during periods of high flow. Emissions varied along the continuum, with peaks occurring at turbulent sites of major confluence. Although land use influenced the spatial variability in concentrations along the river, seasonal changes in temperature influenced the relative importance of the different gases to global warming potential, and hydrology mediated where they were produced as well as their overall concentrations and emissions.

Automated summary

This study focused on a large north temperate river and found that the highest emissions of greenhouse gases occurred in areas with intensive urban and agricultural activities. CO2 and N2O concentrations were highest under ice during winter, while CH4 emissions peaked during summer. Spatial variability decreased during high flow periods, with emissions highest at turbulent confluence sites. Temperature and hydrology played a role in influencing the emissions and concentrations of the gases.