Mapping global lake dynamics reveals the emerging roles of small lakes

Lakes are crucial natural resources and carbon gas emitters, undergoing rapid global changes due to climate change and human activities. This study maps 3.4 million lakes globally, detailing their maximum extents and area changes over four decades. Lake area increased across all six continents analyzed, with a net gain of +46,278 km², 56% from reservoirs. Small lakes (<1 km²) dominated size variability in half of global inland lake regions, despite comprising only 15% of the total area. Increased lake area led to higher carbon emissions, primarily from small lakes, highlighting their significant role in regulating both local and global water variability and carbon emissions.

Xuehui Pi, Qiuqi Luo, Lian Feng, Yang Xu, Jing Tang, Xiuyu Liang, Enze Ma, Ran Cheng, Rasmus Fensholt, Martin Brandt, Xiaobin Cai, Luke Gibson, Junguo Liu, Chunmiao Zheng, Weifeng Li, Brett A. Bryan