Scientists explain Lake Geneva's unique carbon footprint
Swiss scientists have unlocked the carbon cycle of Lake Geneva, explaining why it releases CO2 despite containing little organic matter. + Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Traditional scientific theories previously attributed CO2 emissions from lakes to the massive input of organic material from the surrounding soils into the lake, as the University of Lausanne (UNIL) wrote in a press release on Wednesday. This material from plant and animal residues in the soil is washed into the water by rainfall. As soon as it reaches the lakes, it is decomposed by the microorganisms living there. This produces CO2. + Read why fish species are disappearing from Swiss lakes Lake Geneva works differently Although this theory can explain the activities of some lakes, it does not work for Lake Geneva. This is because it receives very little organic material from its shores. The CO2 balance of Lake Geneva over a year should therefore be neutral: With CO2 production in winter ...