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The need to correct for the Suess effect in the application of δ13C in sediment of autotrophic Lake Tanganyika, as a productivity proxy in the Anthropocene

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Abstract

The change in dissolved inorganic δ13C in the ocean resulting from the change in δ13C in atmospheric CO2 owing to anthropogenic activities (the Suess effect) is well known. The need to correct for the Suess effect when applying δ13C in organic matter in lacustrine sediment deposited during the anthropocene as a productivity proxy, is widely although not universally acknowledged. This paper reviews conceptions about the Suess effect in lacustrine δ13Corg and methods to adjust for the Suess effect when δ13Corg is used to infer recent changes in aquatic productivity. Lake Tanganyika is used as an example to illustrate the necessity of the correction. When the Suess effect is not considered, interpretations of sediment core data can result that are opposite to those achieved with the correction applied, as is here shown in Lake Tanganyika and in other lakes. A new method to correct for the Suess effect is provided which has the advantage of being applicable to data for a larger period (1700–2000) than methods currently available. In addition, Lake Tanganyika is shown to be a net sink for CO2.

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Acknowledgements

I am grateful to Anathea Albert for editing and comments and for the comments of two anonymous reviewers.

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  1. National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, USA

    Piet Verburg

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  1. Piet Verburg
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Correspondence to Piet Verburg.

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Verburg, P. The need to correct for the Suess effect in the application of δ13C in sediment of autotrophic Lake Tanganyika, as a productivity proxy in the Anthropocene. J Paleolimnol 37, 591–602 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10933-006-9056-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10933-006-9056-z

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