OzRiCa: A National Database of Riverine Carbon Measurements Across Australian Streams and Rivers (1966–2024)

The Australian Riverine Carbon (OzRiCa) database is the first national-scale compilation of riverine carbon (C) observations across Australia. It integrates data from 64 publications, two theses, five government agencies, and newly published datasets. The database includes concentrations, stable isotopes, and gas emissions of C dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), dissolved inorganic C (DIC), dissolved organic C (DOC), and particulate organic C (POC). Where available, it also incorporates water quality parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen) and geomorphological features (catchment area, stream or river depth and width, slope, gas exchange coefficient, flow rate, and flow velocity). Spanning 1966 to 2024, the dataset encompasses both long-term monitoring and single observations. OzRiCa provides comprehensive coverage of Australia’s major river basins, with a strong representation of low-order streams. Data were collected through field campaigns, government monitoring programs, and literature synthesis. This dataset serves as a valuable resource for understanding spatial and temporal patterns in riverine C dynamics, supporting research on C fluxes, emissions, and ecosystem processes in Australian freshwater systems.