Last Update: 04/05/2026 at 2:50 PM EST
Congo Lakes Release Ancient Carbon
Coverage from Eurasia Review, EurekAlert!, and others
Articles
11
Latest Article
02/24
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2
Executive Summary
ETH Zurich studies show Congo Basin blackwater lakes emit CO2 and methane from millennial peat, raising climate model and drought risk concerns
- Up to 40 percent of CO2 from Lake Mai Ndombe and Lake Tumba comes from ancient peat
- Radiocarbon dating showed the emitted carbon had accumulated over thousands of years
- Methane emissions from Lake Mai Ndombe varied strongly with water level
- Lower water levels and drier seasons led to more methane escaping
- Researchers said the carbon release pathway from peat to lake water remains unclear
- The findings suggest drought and climate change could increase greenhouse gas release
- Tropical lakes and wetlands are underrepresented in global climate models
Quick Facts
- What: Found ancient peat carbon released through blackwater lakes
- Where: Congo Basin lakes Mai Ndombe and Tumba
- Why: To improve climate models and assess wetland carbon risks
- Who: ETH Zurich researchers and Congo Basin collaborators
- When: Studies published in 2026 after decade of fieldwork
Coverage Timeline: 2 Days
Featured Article
ETH Zurich researchers report that Congo Basin peatlands release ancient carbon through lakes Mai Ndombe and Tumba in recent studies.
Additional Articles
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Researchers in ETH Zurich report that droughts may raise ancient peat carbon release and methane emissions in the Congo Basin wetlands.
ETH Zurich researchers report ancient peat carbon release from Congo Basin lakes in 2026, with potential climate model implications.
Scientists in the Democratic Republic of Congo measure peat carbon fluxes and lake methane in a recent study to inform climate projections.
ETH Zurich scientists report ancient Congo Basin peat carbon leakage from Lac Mai Ndombe and Lac Tumba in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a Nature Geoscience study.
ETH Zurich researchers report in 2026 that ancient Congo Basin peat carbon is released by Mai Ndombe and Lac Tumba lakes, potentially altering regional and global climate.
ETH Zurich researchers report millennial-aged peat carbon outgassed by large humic Congo Basin lakes in 2026.
Researchers report ancient peat carbon release from Congo Basin lakes could alter global carbon dynamics.
ETH Zurich researchers report in a Nature Geoscience study that Congo Basin lakes Mai Ndombe and Tumba release ancient peat carbon, potentially altering tropical carbon budgets.
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ETH Zurich researchers report Congo Basin lakes Mai Ndombe and Tumba release ancient peat carbon.
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Scientists report in 2026 that Congo Basin peatlands release ancient carbon as warming progresses in Africa.