Simulating carbon flux to the estuary: The first step

The sources and sinks (point and non-point) of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) are identified for the purposes of simulating carbon flux to the estuary. The sources and sinks are separated into three categories: allochthonous; anthropogenic; and autochthonous with each category examined in turn. Carbon loads to the Humber estuary are calculated and a mass balance calculation is performed for a section of the River Swale in Yorkshire showing decomposition rates of ∼3.8 t C/ha/year and a flux of ∼161 kt C/year. Finally, initial non-point source models are presented for DOC, POC and DIC. These algorithms are incorporated into a hydrological model that is used within the LOIS programme to simulate the flux of carbon to the river.