Can spatial heterogeneity explain the perceived imbalance in Lake Superior's carbon budget? A model study

Lake Superior is the largest lake in the world by surface area, containing 10% of the world's surface freshwater. Yet, little is known about its role within the regional carbon budget. Observational studies on Lake Superior have been limited by harsh winters and the challenges of covering such a vast expanse. To date, carbon budgets extrapolated from observational studies are largely out of balance and suggest a large efflux of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere (∼3 TgC/yr) that cannot be supported by the estimated net inputs into the lake (