Watershed biogeochemical cycles and multi-sphere interactions in Earth’s surface system

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2025.3.5

Abstract

Abstract:

Watersheds (catchments) represent relatively self-contained units or subsystems within the Earth’s surface system. Systematic and integrated studies of watersheds provide valuable insights into the interactions across multiple spheres. The biogeochemical cycles within watersheds constitute a critical component of global biogeochemical cycles, reflecting the energy and material exchange dynamics among these interconnected subsystems. Moreover, these cycles exert reciprocal influences on the functioning and stability of each sphere. This review explores the mechanisms linking biogeochemical cycles in watersheds with multi-sphere interactions, focusing on the impacts of intensive anthropogenic activities and global climate change in the Anthropocene. Firstly, the characteristics of watershed biogeochemical cycles and their interconnections with global change are systematically analyzed. Secondly, the feedback mechanisms between watershed biogeochemical cycles and global environmental change emphasize profound anthropogenic disturbances. Thirdly, the intricate linkages between watershed processes and global ecosystems are elucidated through their underlying interaction mechanisms. Comprehensive analysis reveals that intense anthropogenic activities have substantially disrupted or accelerated certain material cycles, pushing critical environmental parameters beyond ecological thresholds. These disruptions have far-reaching consequences for the stability of multi-sphere material cycles and the overall stability of the Earth system. Finally, in light of the current trends and challenges in watershed science, this study identifies research frontiers in watershed biogeochemical cycles. These include transformative research paradigms, the integration of interdisciplinary approaches such as artificial intelligence (AI) and multi-isotope techniques, exploration of microbial and other multi-factorial driving mechanisms, and advancements in dynamic system modeling. The efforts aim to provide a scientific foundation for a deeper understanding of the operational mechanisms of surface Earth system interactions and for promoting sustainable human development.

Key words: surface Earth system, watershed (catchment), biogeochemistry, sphere interaction, global change

CLC Number:

LI Siliang, WANG Xinchu, QI Yulin, ZHONG Jun, DING Hu, WEN Hang, LIU Xueyan, LANG Yunchao, YI Yuanbi, WANG Baoli, Liu Cong-Qiang. Watershed biogeochemical cycles and multi-sphere interactions in Earth’s surface system[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2025, 32(3): 62-77.

Figures/Tables 5

Fig.1 The schematic diagram of surface Earth system sphere interactions and the biogeochemical cycling connections across watersheds at different scales

Fig.2 The schematic diagram of watershed biogeochemical cycling under the influence of sphere interactions (the critical zone diagram modified after literature [15,17])

Fig.3 The conceptual diagram illustrating the seasonal flow path changes of the Jinsha River (JSR) and Yalong River (YLR) on the Tibetan Plateau watersheds, and the impact of climate warming on the concentration-discharge (C-Q) relationship. Modified after [30].

Fig.4 Schematic representation of anthropogenic impacts on biogeochemical cycling in watersheds

Fig.5 Schematic diagram of the Integrated Watershed Monitoring and Decision-making System

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