 |
Chemical weathering, driven by river flow, plays a crucial role in shaping carbon dynamics, particularly in mountain-building landscapes. We explore how river discharge affects chemical weathering and its impact on carbon cycling and climate in southwestern Taiwan's critical zone. Carbonate minerals significantly contribute to weathering in SW Taiwan, driven largely by sulfuric acid. Increased river discharge correlates with enhanced sulfuric acid-mediated carbonate weathering, with a critical threshold of 4.6 m3/s marking a shift from CO2 sink to source. Over a decade, the region has been a net CO2 source, with rising discharge amplifying CO2 emissions. This pattern likely applies to other mountainous regions, highlighting hydrology's key role in the carbon cycle. |