English: Representation of the inland wetland carbon cycle. Major pathways of carbon sequestration include photosynthesis and organic carbon accumulation through particulate organic carbon (POC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Major pathways of CO2 emissions include respiration during decomposition of organic matter (a), oxidation of CH4 (b), diffusion (c), and release of greenhouse gases through plant aerenchyma (d). Major pathways of CH4 emissions include methanogenesis via efflux through plant aerenchyma (e), ebullition (f), and diffusion (g). All sequestered carbon has the potential to be stored within the soil profile for centuries (Bernal and Mitsch, 2012) unless the wetland is altered.