AMES, Iowa, May 12 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've determined the Earth's ponds are capable of absorbing as much organic carbon as the world's oceans.
The Iowa State University researchers led by limnologist (lake scientist) John Downing found constructed ponds and lakes located on farmland in the United States bury carbon at a much higher rate than expected -- as much as 20 to 50 times the rate at which trees trap carbon. In addition, ponds were found to take up carbon at a higher rate than larger lakes.