Data from: Coupling of Stream Metabolism and Calcium Carbonate Dynamics in Neotropical Karst Streams

This dataset was collected to test the hypothesis that stream calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) dynamics is tightly coupled with stream metabolism, and that variations in primary production and respiration influence the rates of calcium carbonate precipitation and dissolution. Specifically, we expected that periods of high photosynthetic activity would promote calcium uptake and CaCO₃ precipitation, while respiration would enhance CaCO₃ dissolution.The dataset includes measurements from multiple Neotropical karst streams with varying geological backgrounds and degrees of calcium carbonate deposition. It contains estimates of stream metabolism (gross primary production, ecosystem respiration, and net ecosystem production), gas exchange rates, and ratios of primary production to respiration. It also includes biogeochemical fluxes related to calcium and calcium carbonate, measured both as uptake (associated with daytime precipitation) and dissolution (associated with nighttime processes). These variables were derived from stream monitoring, in situ measurements, and metabolic modeling.Key variables include gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (ER), calcium and CaCO₃ fluxes (in both grams and moles per square meter per day), gas exchange coefficients (per day), and standing stocks of calcium (miligrams per liter or grams per square meter). The data also contain descriptive attributes for each stream (e.g., geochemical background and deposition status), as well as metadata documenting sampling dates and methods.These data demonstrate clear patterns linking stream metabolism to calcium carbonate dynamics, showing that daytime photosynthesis is associated with calcium uptake and CaCO₃ precipitation, while nighttime respiration is linked to dissolution processes. This highlights the importance of metabolic processes in controlling mineral cycling in karst streams.Researchers can use this dataset to explore linkages between ecosystem metabolism and geochemical fluxes, calibrate biogeochemical models, or compare metabolic regimes across karst ecosystems. Full metadata and variable descriptions are provided to facilitate reuse.