Wetland methane emissions have surged at high latitudes

Wetlands, the most extensive natural methane sources on Earth, are contributing significantly to atmospheric warming, with methane being around 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide. 

A study led by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has revealed a concerning trend. Methane emissions from the Boreal-Arctic wetlands have surged by approximately nine percent since 2002. 

Accelerated warming rates 

This rise is particularly alarming given the accelerated warming rates in Boreal and Arctic ecosystems, which are currently warming at nearly four times the global average.

The study was led by Qing Zhu, a Berkeley Lab research scientist, along with postdoctoral researcher Kunxiaojia Yuan. Their work leverages advanced monitoring techniques to quantify the uptick in emissions over the last two decades. 

“Boreal and Arctic environments are carbon-rich and vulnerable to warming. Rising temperatures increase microbial activity and vegetation growth, which are associated with methane emissions. By understanding how natural methane sources are evolving, we can better track greenhouse gasses critical for projecting future climate change scenarios,” Zhu explained.

Methane’s impact on global warming

The study underscores methane’s significant impact on atmospheric warming, despite its shorter atmospheric lifespan compared to carbon dioxide. 

According to the researchers, higher temperatures not only boost the activity of methane-producing microbes in saturated soils but also expand their habitat as permafrost thaws and precipitation patterns shift.

Alarming results

Employing a combination of traditional gas trapping and eddy covariance towers, the Berkeley Lab team analyzed over 307 years’ worth of methane emissions data from Arctic-Boreal wetlands. 

Their findings indicate an average annual release of 20 teragrams of methane since 2002, equating to the mass of roughly 55 Empire State Buildings, with a notable nine percent increase in emissions during this period.

Critical new insights

The study also identifies two “hotspot” regions with significantly higher emissions, emphasizing the importance of focused mitigation efforts in these areas. 

The analysis further reveals temperature and plant productivity as key drivers of methane emissions, with warmer conditions and more productive vegetation leading to increased microbial activity and, consequently, higher methane release.

Broader implications 

The year 2016, marked as the warmest in the high-latitudes since 1950, also recorded the highest methane emissions, underscoring the direct correlation between temperature elevations and methane release.

However, according to Zhu, since “methane has a relatively short lifetime in the atmosphere, its reduction and removal can be achieved relatively quickly.” 

The research provides a scientific baseline for comprehending wetlands’ role in global climate dynamics and addressing climate change.

Wetland methane emissions

Wetland methane emissions significantly contribute to the global methane budget, playing a critical role in atmospheric chemistry and climate change. 

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is released from wetlands primarily through the metabolic activities of microorganisms. In these waterlogged environments, organic matter decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), leading to the production of methane by methanogenic archaea.

Contributing factors 

The rate of methane emissions from wetlands depends on several factors, including temperature and water saturation levels.

Warmer temperatures and higher levels of water saturation typically enhance methane production, as they provide ideal conditions for methanogens. 

The type of vegetation present in wetlands also influences methane emissions, as different plant species contribute varying amounts of organic material for decomposition.

Human activities

Human activities, such as land use changes and water management practices, can alter wetland conditions and thus affect methane emissions. 

Drainage, agriculture, and the construction of dams can reduce wetland areas and their capacity to emit methane. Conversely, restoration of wetlands and creation of artificial wetlands can increase methane emissions.

Benefits of wetlands

Globally, wetlands represent the largest natural source of methane emissions to the atmosphere. Despite their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, wetlands also provide critical ecosystem services, including biodiversity conservation. 

Balancing the ecological benefits of wetlands with their role in methane emissions is a key challenge in climate change mitigation and environmental management.

The study is published in the journal Nature Climate Change.

Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.

—- 

Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.