Glacier dynamics influenced carbon flows through lake food webs: evidence from a chironomid δ13C-based reconstruction in the Nepalese Himalayas

Abstract

Using a sediment core covering the last 3,500 years, we analysed photosynthetic pigments’ concentrations in lake sediments and carbon stable isotopic composition of chironomid (Diptera, Chironomidae) remains (δ13CHC). We aimed to reconstruct temporal changes in aquatic primary productivity and carbon resources sustaining chironomid larvae in a high mountain lake (Lake Pyramid Inferior; 5,067 m a.s.l.) located in the Nepalese Himalayas. Both pigments and δ13CHC trends followed a similar fluctuating pattern over time, and we found significant positive relationships between these proxies, suggesting the strong reliance of benthic consumers on the aquatic primary production. Temporal trends matched well with main known climatic phases in the Eastern part of the Himalayan Mountains. Past glacier dynamics and associated in-lake solute concentrations appeared to be the main driver of autochthonous primary productivity, suggesting then the indirect impact of climate change on carbon processing in the benthic food web. During warm periods, the glacier retreat induced a rise in in-lake solute concentrations leading to an increasing primary productivity. Complementary investigations are still needed to strengthen our understanding about the response of past aquatic carbon cycling in CO2-limiting environments.