CO2 DYNAMICS AND HYDROGEOCHEMICAL CONTROLS IN KARST GROUNDWATER SYSTEMS: A REVIEW
CO2 DYNAMICS AND HYDROGEOCHEMICAL CONTROLS IN KARST GROUNDWATER SYSTEMS: A REVIEW

Summary/Abstract: Karst landscapes play a significant role in the global carbon cycle by regulating carbon dioxide (CO₂) through carbonate weathering and groundwater processes. This structured literature review revisits carbon cycling in karst landscapes, integrating perspectives on the roles of CO₂ dynamics and hydrogeochemical processes in carbonate reactions. It synthesizes studies examining the relationships among partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂), dissolved CO₂, and key chemical processes such as limestone dissolution and calcite precipitation. The review synthesizes findings from laboratory experiments, field measurements, and numerical simulations conducted across diverse karst environments worldwide. The reviewed studies consistently report strong correlations between soil-derived CO₂ and aqueous CO₂, influenced by biogenic inputs, cave degassing, hydrodynamics, and lithological variation. The literature further indicates that anthropogenic factors and sulfur-induced acidification alter carbonate equilibria and carbon fluxes. However, the existing body of research also highlights notable gaps, particularly in understanding how land-use differences shape carbon cycling within karst landscapes. Many published studies still do not integrate aboveground, belowground, and aquatic carbon fluxes across land-use types. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing comprehensive carbon budgets and improving model predictions under environmental change. This review emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that link hydrogeochemistry with land-use analysis to better characterize carbon pathways in both tropical and temperate karst landscapes.

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