Publication

Permafrost thaw in Arctic watersheds threatens to mobilize hitherto sequestered carbon. We examine the radiocarbon activity ((FC)-C-14) of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the northern Mackenzie River basin. From 2003-2017, DOC-(FC)-C-14 signatures (1.00 0.04; n = 39) tracked atmospheric (CO2)-C-14, indicating export of "modern" carbon. This trend was interrupted in June 2018 by the widespread release of aged DOC (0.85 0.16, n = 28) measured across three separate catchment areas. Increased nitrate concentrations in June 2018 lead us to attribute this pulse of C-14-depleted DOC to mobilization of previously frozen soil organic matter. We propose export through lateral perennial thaw zones that occurred at the base of the active layer weakened by preceding warm summer and winter seasons. Although we are not yet able to ascertain the broader significance of this "anomalous" mobilization event, it highlights the potential for rapid and large-scale release of aged carbon from permafrost. Plain Language Summary The thaw of continuously frozen grounds in the Arctic induced by regional warming accelerates the release of carbon to the atmosphere and river systems. Of particular concern is the fate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) due to its potential for rapid oxidation to carbon dioxide. In order to understand the ramifications of a warming climate, we analyze the radiocarbon age of DOC in the northern Mackenzie River-a major Arctic river basin. DOC in large Arctic rivers has been characterized by young radiocarbon ages, from modern vegetation and surface soils. In June 2018, we recorded a departure from long-term observations: Older DOC was measured in three large catchments draining into the Mackenzie Delta. This release of aged DOC followed a warm summer and the second warmest winter on record. We infer that the aged DOC derived from thaw of deeper soil horizons and subsequent carbon mobilization and riverine export. This is the first time such an event has been documented; it highlights the potential for abrupt and widespread aged DOC export with important implications for regional and global carbon cycles. Key Points A widespread pulse of aged dissolved organic carbon (DOC) occurred in the Mackenzie River and its tributaries in June 2018 Export of aged DOC is consistent with a prolonged warming period and the formation of supra-permafrost taliks Mobilization of aged DOC and nitrate suggests percolation of supra-permafrost groundwater through previously frozen soil layers