In a new paper published in the journal Limnology and Oceanography, (pdf here), we looked at spatial and temporal variability in greenhouse gases (methane and carbon dioxide) in 30 ponds and shallow lakes around the world. Led by Dr. Nick Ray (Cornell University), we found that the smallest ponds had the biggest greenhouse gas concentrations, likely due to the the physical mixing (or lack of) in those small ponds. This supports the idea that the smallest waterbodies have a large affect on the role of freshwater in the global carbon cycle.
This research was done in collaboration with scientists from the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network originated with the Pond Observation aNd Discovery in GLEON (PONDING) group led by Dr. Meredith Holgerson (Cornell University) and Dr. Richardson.