This study investigates long-term freshwater ecology and carbon and nitrogen dynamics in a complex wetland in southern Canada. Microfossil analysis and elemental analyses indicate that since its inception as a small Kettle basin during the Late Glacial, the wetland underwent four main developmental stages:

1) The proglacial complex (Late Glacial), characterized by a highly mineral deposition dominated by clay and inorganic C,

2) kettle pond (Early Holocene) defined by high organic C and N deposition in an oligotrophic pond environment,

3) eutrophic marl pond (mid-Holocene) with lower organic C and high inorganic C accumulation and

4) swamp peatland (Late Holocene) characterized by decreasing water levels in a highly organic mixed swamp environment.

This study underscores the key role of hydrology and ecological succession in driving carbon sequestration and persistence of carbon stores long-term