Interactions of carbon and silicon cycles in the lake catchment

In theory, weathering reactions of silicates and carbonates bind atmospheric CO2 into solid form and also, in many streams and rivers, a strong dependence between CO2 and dissolved silicon have been observed. In lakes, diatoms needing silicon for their cell structures, are important primary produces. Diatoms are dependent on the turbulence and sediment easily without it, and therefore, are potentially an important carbon sink in lakes.

We focus on interactions of silicon and inorganic carbon cycles in two boreal experimental catchments, and aim to form a silicon budget for the catchments. We also monitor the amounts of carbon and sílicon transported from the catchment. Furthermore, we monitor the amounts of silicon and carbon entering the lake and carbon and silicon sinks in the lake.