Monitoring the Responses of Freshwater Ecosystems to Climate Change - Climate Change Impacts on Freshwater Ecosystems - page 108

Table 5.3 ( Cont'd )

Category Response Indicator Justification of indicator

Export of organic
carbon

Organic carbon is
provided for downstream
ecosystems in runoff
water.

Water table height Organic carbon can be

released as dissolved organic
carbon (DOC) in runoff
water.

Release of CH 4 Lowered water table

reduces CH 4 emission.

Water table height Water table height and

greenhouse gas emission are
directly correlated.

Retention of carbon Retention of

carbonaceous material
will be enhanced if
warmer temperatures
increase primary
production while water
availability is sufficient,
but will be reduced if
runoff events increase in
frequency.

Rate of primary
production

Retention of carbon in
vegetation and detritus will
be enhanced by increased
production.

Mineralization Lowered water table

stimulates enzyme
activity leading to
increased mineralization.

Rates of enzyme activity Indicates carbon loss from

peat.

Export of nutrients Increased production

leads to greater provision
of organic detritus, which
is then available for
export downstream.

Production of litter Export of nutrients will

increase if detritus
production is high.

Retention of nutrients Longer season and

warmer temperatures can
lead to increased primary
production.

Rate of primary
production

Retention of nutrients is
potentially greater where
production is high.