Peatland lakes in Congo Basin release carbon that is thousands of years old
Phys.org
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Researchers have uncovered a significant environmental concern in the Congo Basin: large blackwater lakes within its vast peatlands are releasing carbon that has been stored for thousands of years. Until now, it was believed that peat acted as a secure long-term carbon reservoir, safely storing carbon for millennia. However, this study reveals that these ancient carbon reserves are being mobilized and released into the atmosphere through the lakes, potentially contributing to global climate change.
Peatlands are known for their role in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide over extensive periods, forming thick layers of peat that can span thousands of years. The Congo Basin's peatlands, one of the largest such ecosystems globally, were thought to function as a stable carbon sink. However, the newly discovered release of ancient carbon from these blackwater lakes challenges this understanding. The study highlights that the exact mechanisms by which carbon is transferred from the peat to the lakes and subsequently released
Verticals
sciencephysics
Originally published on Phys.org on 2/23/2026