Articles | Volume 12, issue 15
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-4595-2015
© Author(s) 2015. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Special issue:
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-4595-2015
© Author(s) 2015. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
04 Aug 2015
Research article |
| 04 Aug 2015
Geographic and seasonal variation of dissolved methane and aerobic methane oxidation in Alaskan lakes
K. Martinez-Cruz
Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Cinvestav, 07360 Mexico City, D.F., Mexico
Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P. O. Box 5860, 99775 Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
A. Sepulveda-Jauregui
Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P. O. Box 5860, 99775 Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
K. Walter Anthony
Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P. O. Box 5860, 99775 Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Biotechnology and Bioengineering Department, Cinvestav, 07360 Mexico City, D.F., Mexico
Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P. O. Box 5860, 99775 Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Related authors
J. K. Heslop, K. M. Walter Anthony, A. Sepulveda-Jauregui, K. Martinez-Cruz, A. Bondurant, G. Grosse, and M. C. Jones
Biogeosciences, 12, 4317–4331, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-4317-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-4317-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
The relative magnitude of thermokarst lake CH4 production in surface sediments vs. deeper-thawed permafrost is not well understood. We assessed CH4 production potentials from a lake sediment core and adjacent permafrost tunnel in interior Alaska. CH4 production was highest in the organic-rich surface lake sediments and recently thawed permafrost at the bottom of the talik, implying CH4 production is highly variable and that both modern and ancient OM are important to lake CH4 production.
A. Sepulveda-Jauregui, K. M. Walter Anthony, K. Martinez-Cruz, S. Greene, and F. Thalasso
Biogeosciences, 12, 3197–3223, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-3197-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-3197-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
This study of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission modes from 40 lakes along a latitudinal transect in Alaska revealed that thermokarst lakes formed in Pleistocene-aged icy, organic-rich yedoma-type permafrost had the highest emissions. Ebullition and diffusion were the dominant modes of CH4 and CO2 emissions, respectively. Accounting for the global warming potentials of the gases, the climate warming impact of lake CH4 emissions was 2 times higher than that of CO2.
S. Greene, K. M. Walter Anthony, D. Archer, A. Sepulveda-Jauregui, and K. Martinez-Cruz
Biogeosciences, 11, 6791–6811, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-6791-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-6791-2014, 2014
Short summary
Short summary
Methane (CH4) bubbles emitted from the anoxic sediments of northern lakes constitute a significant methane flux to the atmosphere, but entrapment by seasonal lake ice impedes bubble release to the atmosphere. Using numerical modeling and field measurement of a lake in Alaska, we found that 80% of CH4 in ice-trapped bubbles dissolves into the water column. Microbes consume half of that CH4. Emission by bubbling is greatest in summer but continues in winter through some open holes in lake ice.
Yarden Gerera, André Pellerin, Efrat Eliani Russak, Katey Walter Anthony, Nicholas Hasson, Yoav Oved Rosenberg, and Orit Sivan
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1504, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1504, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Biogeosciences (BG).
Short summary
Short summary
Thermokarst lakes have formed over thousands of years from permafrost thaw in the Arctic. Here we quantify the change in methane production rates as thermokarst lakes evolve by incubation-based approach of measuring and comparing methane production rates and organic carbon lability between a more mature thermokarst lake and a young dynamic thermokarst lake. We also show the use of Rock-Eval analysis of organic carbon along the sediments as a proxy for organics susceptibility for methanogenesis.
Frederic Thalasso, Julio A. Salas-Rabaza, Brenda Riquelme del Río, Jorge F. Perez-Quezada, Cristian Gajardo, and Matías Troncoso-Villar
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1357, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1357, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Biogeosciences (BG).
Short summary
Short summary
Peatlands are complex and widespread ecosystems that store large amounts of carbon through photosynthesis. Carbon fixation depends on solar irradiance, and the relationship between them is called the photosynthesis-irradiance or “PI” curve. We developed a simple, portable chamber to measure PI curves in peatlands, taking into account complex plant assemblages and microhabitat variability. This tool may help scientists better understand carbon dynamics in these ecosystems.
Frederic Thalasso, Brenda Riquelme, Andrés Gómez, Roy Mackenzie, Francisco Javier Aguirre, Jorge Hoyos-Santillan, Ricardo Rozzi, and Armando Sepulveda-Jauregui
Biogeosciences, 20, 3737–3749, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3737-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3737-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A robust skirt-chamber design to capture and quantify greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands is presented. Compared to standard methods, this design improves the spatial resolution of field studies in remote locations while minimizing intrusion.
McKenzie A. Kuhn, Ruth K. Varner, David Bastviken, Patrick Crill, Sally MacIntyre, Merritt Turetsky, Katey Walter Anthony, Anthony D. McGuire, and David Olefeldt
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 5151–5189, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-5151-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-5151-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Methane (CH4) emissions from the boreal–Arctic region are globally significant, but the current magnitude of annual emissions is not well defined. Here we present a dataset of surface CH4 fluxes from northern wetlands, lakes, and uplands that was built alongside a compatible land cover dataset, sharing the same classifications. We show CH4 fluxes can be split by broad land cover characteristics. The dataset is useful for comparison against new field data and model parameterization or validation.
Lydia Stolpmann, Caroline Coch, Anne Morgenstern, Julia Boike, Michael Fritz, Ulrike Herzschuh, Kathleen Stoof-Leichsenring, Yury Dvornikov, Birgit Heim, Josefine Lenz, Amy Larsen, Katey Walter Anthony, Benjamin Jones, Karen Frey, and Guido Grosse
Biogeosciences, 18, 3917–3936, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3917-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-3917-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Our new database summarizes DOC concentrations of 2167 water samples from 1833 lakes in permafrost regions across the Arctic to provide insights into linkages between DOC and environment. We found increasing lake DOC concentration with decreasing permafrost extent and higher DOC concentrations in boreal permafrost sites compared to tundra sites. Our study shows that DOC concentration depends on the environmental properties of a lake, especially permafrost extent, ecoregion, and vegetation.
Frederic Thalasso, Katey Walter Anthony, Olya Irzak, Ethan Chaleff, Laughlin Barker, Peter Anthony, Philip Hanke, and Rodrigo Gonzalez-Valencia
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 6047–6058, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6047-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6047-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Methane (CH4) seepage is the steady or episodic flow of gaseous hydrocarbons from subsurface reservoirs that has been identified as a significant source of atmospheric CH4. The monitoring of these emissions is important and despite several available methods, large macroseeps are still difficult to measure due to a lack of a lightweight and inexpensive method deployable in remote environments. Here, we report the development of a mobile chamber for measuring intense CH4 macroseepage in lakes.
Kimberley L. Davies, Richard D. Pancost, Mary E. Edwards, Katey M. Walter Anthony, Peter G. Langdon, and Lidia Chaves Torres
Biogeosciences, 13, 2611–2621, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-2611-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-2611-2016, 2016
P. R. Lindgren, G. Grosse, K. M. Walter Anthony, and F. J. Meyer
Biogeosciences, 13, 27–44, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-27-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-27-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We mapped and characterized methane ebullition bubbles trapped in lake ice, and estimated whole-lake methane emission using high-resolution aerial images of a lake acquired following freeze-up. We identified the location and relative sizes of high- and low-flux seepage zones within the lake. A large number of seeps showed spatiotemporal stability over our study period. Our approach is applicable to other regions to improve the estimation of methane emission from lakes at the regional scale.
J. E. Vonk, S. E. Tank, W. B. Bowden, I. Laurion, W. F. Vincent, P. Alekseychik, M. Amyot, M. F. Billet, J. Canário, R. M. Cory, B. N. Deshpande, M. Helbig, M. Jammet, J. Karlsson, J. Larouche, G. MacMillan, M. Rautio, K. M. Walter Anthony, and K. P. Wickland
Biogeosciences, 12, 7129–7167, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-7129-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-7129-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
In this review, we give an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding how permafrost thaw affects aquatic systems. We describe the general impacts of thaw on aquatic ecosystems, pathways of organic matter and contaminant release and degradation, resulting emissions and burial, and effects on ecosystem structure and functioning. We conclude with an overview of potential climate effects and recommendations for future research.
J. K. Heslop, K. M. Walter Anthony, A. Sepulveda-Jauregui, K. Martinez-Cruz, A. Bondurant, G. Grosse, and M. C. Jones
Biogeosciences, 12, 4317–4331, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-4317-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-4317-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
The relative magnitude of thermokarst lake CH4 production in surface sediments vs. deeper-thawed permafrost is not well understood. We assessed CH4 production potentials from a lake sediment core and adjacent permafrost tunnel in interior Alaska. CH4 production was highest in the organic-rich surface lake sediments and recently thawed permafrost at the bottom of the talik, implying CH4 production is highly variable and that both modern and ancient OM are important to lake CH4 production.
A. Sepulveda-Jauregui, K. M. Walter Anthony, K. Martinez-Cruz, S. Greene, and F. Thalasso
Biogeosciences, 12, 3197–3223, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-3197-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-3197-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
This study of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission modes from 40 lakes along a latitudinal transect in Alaska revealed that thermokarst lakes formed in Pleistocene-aged icy, organic-rich yedoma-type permafrost had the highest emissions. Ebullition and diffusion were the dominant modes of CH4 and CO2 emissions, respectively. Accounting for the global warming potentials of the gases, the climate warming impact of lake CH4 emissions was 2 times higher than that of CO2.
M. Langer, S. Westermann, K. Walter Anthony, K. Wischnewski, and J. Boike
Biogeosciences, 12, 977–990, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-977-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-977-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
Methane production rates of Arctic ponds during the freezing period within a typical tundra landscape in northern Siberia are presented. Production rates were inferred by inverse modeling based on measured methane concentrations in the ice cover. Results revealed marked differences in early winter methane production among ponds showing different stages of shore degradation. This suggests that shore erosion can increase methane production of Arctic ponds by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude.
S. Greene, K. M. Walter Anthony, D. Archer, A. Sepulveda-Jauregui, and K. Martinez-Cruz
Biogeosciences, 11, 6791–6811, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-6791-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-6791-2014, 2014
Short summary
Short summary
Methane (CH4) bubbles emitted from the anoxic sediments of northern lakes constitute a significant methane flux to the atmosphere, but entrapment by seasonal lake ice impedes bubble release to the atmosphere. Using numerical modeling and field measurement of a lake in Alaska, we found that 80% of CH4 in ice-trapped bubbles dissolves into the water column. Microbes consume half of that CH4. Emission by bubbling is greatest in summer but continues in winter through some open holes in lake ice.
M. Engram, K. W. Anthony, F. J. Meyer, and G. Grosse
The Cryosphere, 7, 1741–1752, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-7-1741-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-7-1741-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Biogeochemistry: Greenhouse Gases
Intercomparison of biogenic CO2 flux models in four urban parks in the city of Zurich
CO2 flux characteristics of the open savanna and its response to environmental factors in the dry–hot valley of Jinsha River, China
Rising Arctic seas and thawing permafrost: uncovering the carbon cycle impact in a thermokarst lagoon system in the outer Mackenzie Delta, Canada
Modelling decadal trends and the impact of extreme events on carbon fluxes in a temperate deciduous forest using a terrestrial biosphere model
Surface CO2 gradients challenge conventional CO2 emission quantification in lentic water bodies under calm conditions
Spatiotemporal variability of CO2, N2O and CH4 fluxes from a semi-deciduous tropical forest soil in the Congo Basin
Eddy-covariance fluxes of CO2, CH4 and N2O in a drained peatland forest after clear-cutting
Eddy covariance evaluation of ecosystem fluxes at a temperate saltmarsh in Victoria, Australia, shows large CO2 uptake
Interferences caused by the biogeochemical methane cycle in peats during the assessment of abandoned oil wells
Carbon sequestration in different urban vegetation types in Southern Finland
Proglacial methane emissions driven by meltwater and groundwater flushing in a high-Arctic glacial catchment
Seasonal and interannual variability in CO2 fluxes in southern Africa seen by GOSAT
Air temperature and precipitation constraining the modelled wetland methane emissions in a boreal region in northern Europe
Ensemble estimates of global wetland methane emissions over 2000–2020
Seasonal carbon fluxes from vegetation and soil in a Mediterranean non-tidal salt marsh
Explainable machine learning for modeling of net ecosystem exchange in boreal forests
Dynamics of CO2 and CH4 fluxes in Red Sea mangrove soils
Nitrous oxide (N2O) in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania
Technical note: A low-cost, automatic soil–plant–atmosphere enclosure system to investigate CO2 and evapotranspiration flux dynamics
Tidal influence on carbon dioxide and methane fluxes from tree stems and soils in mangrove forests
Drought conditions disrupt atmospheric carbon uptake in a Mediterranean saline lake
Physicochemical perturbation increases nitrous oxide production from denitrification in soils and sediments
Carbon degradation and mobilisation potentials of thawing permafrost peatlands in northern Norway inferred from laboratory incubations
Saturating response of photosynthesis to increasing leaf area index allows selective harvest of trees without affecting forest productivity
Seasonal dynamics and regional distribution patterns of CO2 and CH4 in the north-eastern Baltic Sea
Interannual and seasonal variability of the air–sea CO2 exchange at Utö in the coastal region of the Baltic Sea
CO2 emissions of drained coastal peatlands in the Netherlands and potential emission reduction by water infiltration systems
Influence of wind strength and direction on diffusive methane fluxes and atmospheric methane concentrations above the North Sea
Using eddy covariance observations to determine the carbon sequestration characteristics of subalpine forests in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Isotopomer labeling and oxygen dependence of hybrid nitrous oxide production
The emission of CO from tropical rainforest soils
Modelling CO2 and N2O emissions from soils in silvopastoral systems of the West African Sahelian band
A case study on topsoil removal and rewetting for paludiculture: effect on biogeochemistry and greenhouse gas emissions from Typha latifolia, Typha angustifolia, and Azolla filiculoides
Observations of methane net sinks in the Arctic tundra
Methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions from two clear-water and two turbid-water urban ponds in Brussels (Belgium)
Assessing improvements in global ocean pCO2 machine learning reconstructions with Southern Ocean autonomous sampling
Timescale dependence of airborne fraction and underlying climate–carbon-cycle feedbacks for weak perturbations in CMIP5 models
Technical note: Preventing CO2 overestimation from mercuric or copper(II) chloride preservation of dissolved greenhouse gases in freshwater samples
Exploring temporal and spatial variation of nitrous oxide flux using several years of peatland forest automatic chamber data
Diurnal versus spatial variability of greenhouse gas emissions from an anthropogenically modified lowland river in Germany
Regional assessment and uncertainty analysis of carbon and nitrogen balances at cropland scale using the ecosystem model LandscapeDNDC
Resolving heterogeneous fluxes from tundra halves the growing season carbon budget
Lawns and meadows in urban green space – a comparison from perspectives of greenhouse gases, drought resilience and plant functional types
Large contribution of soil N2O emission to the global warming potential of a large-scale oil palm plantation despite changing from conventional to reduced management practices
Identifying landscape hot and cold spots of soil greenhouse gas fluxes by combining field measurements and remote sensing data
Enhanced Southern Ocean CO2 outgassing as a result of stronger and poleward shifted southern hemispheric westerlies
Spatial and temporal variability of methane emissions and environmental conditions in a hyper-eutrophic fishpond
Optical and radar Earth observation data for upscaling methane emissions linked to permafrost degradation in sub-Arctic peatlands in northern Sweden
Herbivore–shrub interactions influence ecosystem respiration and biogenic volatile organic compound composition in the subarctic
Methane emissions due to reservoir flushing: a significant emission pathway?
Stavros Stagakis, Dominik Brunner, Junwei Li, Leif Backman, Anni Karvonen, Lionel Constantin, Leena Järvi, Minttu Havu, Jia Chen, Sophie Emberger, and Liisa Kulmala
Biogeosciences, 22, 2133–2161, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2133-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2133-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The balance between CO2 uptake and emissions from urban green areas is still not well understood. This study evaluated for the first time the urban park CO2 exchange simulations with four different types of biosphere model by comparing them with observations. Even though some advantages and disadvantages of the different model types were identified, there was no strong evidence that more complex models performed better than simple ones.
Chaolei Yang, Yufeng Tian, Jingqi Cui, Guangxiong He, Jingyuan Li, Canfeng Li, Haichuang Duan, Zong Wei, Liu Yan, Xin Xia, Yong Huang, Aihua Jiang, and Yuwen Feng
Biogeosciences, 22, 2097–2114, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2097-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2097-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Due to the influence of extreme-drought events in southwest China, the carbon sequestration capacity of the open savanna in the dry–hot valley of the Jinsha River has been significantly diminished, with soil water content being the key environmental factor governing CO2 flux. Under the climate scenario where the frequency and severity of extreme droughts are expected to continue increasing, the CO2 emissions from the open savanna are also anticipated to rise persistently.
Maren Jenrich, Juliane Wolter, Susanne Liebner, Christian Knoblauch, Guido Grosse, Fiona Giebeler, Dustin Whalen, and Jens Strauss
Biogeosciences, 22, 2069–2086, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2069-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2069-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Climate warming in the Arctic is causing the erosion of permafrost coasts and the transformation of permafrost lakes into lagoons. To understand how this affects greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, we studied carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) production in lagoons with varying sea connections. Younger lagoons produce more CH₄, while CO₂ increases under more marine conditions. Flooding of permafrost lowlands due to rising sea levels may lead to higher GHG emissions from Arctic coasts in future.
Tea Thum, Tuuli Miinalainen, Outi Seppälä, Holly Croft, Cheryl Rogers, Ralf Staebler, Silvia Caldararu, and Sönke Zaehle
Biogeosciences, 22, 1781–1807, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1781-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1781-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Climate change has the potential to influence the carbon sequestration potential of terrestrial ecosystems, and here the nitrogen cycle is also important. We used the terrestrial biosphere model QUINCY (QUantifying Interactions between terrestrial Nutrient CYcles and the climate system) in a mixed deciduous forest in Canada. We investigated the usefulness of using the leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll content to improve the parameterization of the model. This work paves the way for using spaceborne observations in model parameterizations, also including information on the nitrogen cycle.
Patrick Aurich, Uwe Spank, and Matthias Koschorreck
Biogeosciences, 22, 1697–1709, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1697-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1697-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Lakes can be sources and sinks of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. The gas exchange between the atmosphere and the water can be measured by taking gas samples from them. However, the depth of water samples is not well defined, which may cause errors. We hypothesized that gradients of CO2 concentrations develop under the surface when wind speeds are very low. Our measurements show that such a gradient can occur on calm nights, potentially shifting lakes from a CO2 sink to a source.
Roxanne Daelman, Marijn Bauters, Matti Barthel, Emmanuel Bulonza, Lodewijk Lefevre, José Mbifo, Johan Six, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Benjamin Wolf, Ralf Kiese, and Pascal Boeckx
Biogeosciences, 22, 1529–1542, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1529-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1529-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The increase in atmospheric concentrations of several greenhouse gases (GHGs) since 1750 is attributed to human activity. However, natural ecosystems, such as tropical forests, also contribute to GHG budgets. The Congo Basin hosts the second largest tropical forest and is understudied. In this study, measurements of soil GHG exchange were carried out during 16 months in a tropical forest in the Congo Basin. Overall, the soil acted as a major source of CO2 and N2O and a minor sink of CH4.
Olli-Pekka Tikkasalo, Olli Peltola, Pavel Alekseychik, Juha Heikkinen, Samuli Launiainen, Aleksi Lehtonen, Qian Li, Eduardo Martínez-García, Mikko Peltoniemi, Petri Salovaara, Ville Tuominen, and Raisa Mäkipää
Biogeosciences, 22, 1277–1300, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1277-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1277-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were measured from a clear-cut peatland forest site. The measurements covered the whole year of 2022, which was the second growing season after the clear-cut. The site was a strong GHG source, and the highest emissions came from CO2, followed by N2O and CH4. A statistical model that included information on different surfaces at the site was developed to unravel surface-type-specific GHG fluxes.
Ruth Reef, Edoardo Daly, Tivanka Anandappa, Eboni-Jane Vienna-Hallam, Harriet Robertson, Matthew Peck, and Adrien Guyot
Biogeosciences, 22, 1149–1162, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1149-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-1149-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Studies show that saltmarshes excel at capturing carbon from the atmosphere. In this study, we measured CO2 flux in an Australian temperate saltmarsh on French Island. The temperate saltmarsh exhibited strong seasonality. During the warmer growing season, the saltmarsh absorbed 10.5 g CO2 m−2 on average daily from the atmosphere. Even in winter, when plants were dormant, it continued to be a CO2 sink, albeit a smaller one. Cool temperatures and high cloud cover inhibit carbon sequestration.
Sebastian F. A. Jordan, Stefan Schloemer, Martin Krüger, Tanja Heffner, Marcus A. Horn, and Martin Blumenberg
Biogeosciences, 22, 809–830, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-809-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-809-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Using a multilayer approach, we studied the methane flux, soil gas composition, and isotopic signatures of soil methane and carbon dioxide at eight cut and buried abandoned oil wells in a peat-rich area of northern Germany. The detected methane emissions were of biogenic, peat origin and were not associated with the abandoned wells. Additional microbial analysis and methane oxidation rate measurements demonstrated a high methane emission mitigation potential in the studied peat soils.
Laura Thölix, Leif Backman, Minttu Havu, Esko Karvinen, Jesse Soininen, Justine Trémeau, Olli Nevalainen, Joyson Ahongshangbam, Leena Järvi, and Liisa Kulmala
Biogeosciences, 22, 725–749, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-725-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-725-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Cities aim for carbon neutrality and seek to understand urban vegetation's role as a carbon sink. Direct measurements are challenging, so models are used to estimate the urban carbon cycle. We evaluated model performance at estimating carbon sequestration in lawns, park trees, and urban forests in Helsinki, Finland. Models captured seasonal and annual variations well. Trees had higher sequestration rates than lawns, and irrigation often enhanced carbon sinks.
Gabrielle E. Kleber, Leonard Magerl, Alexandra V. Turchyn, Stefan Schloemer, Mark Trimmer, Yizhu Zhu, and Andrew Hodson
Biogeosciences, 22, 659–674, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-659-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-659-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our research on Svalbard shows that glacier melt rivers can transport large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By studying a glacier over one summer, we found that its river was highly concentrated in methane, suggesting that rivers could provide a significant source of methane emissions as the Arctic warms and glaciers melt. This is the first time such emissions have been measured on Svalbard, indicating a wider environmental concern as such processes are occurring across the Arctic.
Eva-Marie Metz, Sanam Noreen Vardag, Sourish Basu, Martin Jung, and André Butz
Biogeosciences, 22, 555–584, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-555-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-555-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We estimate CO2 fluxes in semiarid southern Africa from 2009 to 2018 based on satellite CO2 measurements and atmospheric inverse modeling. By selecting process-based vegetation models, which agree with the satellite CO2 fluxes, we find that soil respiration mainly drives the seasonality, whereas photosynthesis substantially influences the interannual variability. Our study emphasizes the need for better representation of the response of semiarid ecosystems to soil rewetting in vegetation models.
Tuula Aalto, Aki Tsuruta, Jarmo Mäkelä, Jurek Müller, Maria Tenkanen, Eleanor Burke, Sarah Chadburn, Yao Gao, Vilma Mannisenaho, Thomas Kleinen, Hanna Lee, Antti Leppänen, Tiina Markkanen, Stefano Materia, Paul A. Miller, Daniele Peano, Olli Peltola, Benjamin Poulter, Maarit Raivonen, Marielle Saunois, David Wårlind, and Sönke Zaehle
Biogeosciences, 22, 323–340, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-323-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-323-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Wetland methane responses to temperature and precipitation were studied in a boreal wetland-rich region in northern Europe using ecosystem models, atmospheric inversions, and upscaled flux observations. The ecosystem models differed in their responses to temperature and precipitation and in their seasonality. However, multi-model means, inversions, and upscaled fluxes had similar seasonality, and they suggested co-limitation by temperature and precipitation.
Zhen Zhang, Benjamin Poulter, Joe R. Melton, William J. Riley, George H. Allen, David J. Beerling, Philippe Bousquet, Josep G. Canadell, Etienne Fluet-Chouinard, Philippe Ciais, Nicola Gedney, Peter O. Hopcroft, Akihiko Ito, Robert B. Jackson, Atul K. Jain, Katherine Jensen, Fortunat Joos, Thomas Kleinen, Sara H. Knox, Tingting Li, Xin Li, Xiangyu Liu, Kyle McDonald, Gavin McNicol, Paul A. Miller, Jurek Müller, Prabir K. Patra, Changhui Peng, Shushi Peng, Zhangcai Qin, Ryan M. Riggs, Marielle Saunois, Qing Sun, Hanqin Tian, Xiaoming Xu, Yuanzhi Yao, Yi Xi, Wenxin Zhang, Qing Zhu, Qiuan Zhu, and Qianlai Zhuang
Biogeosciences, 22, 305–321, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-305-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-305-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study assesses global methane emissions from wetlands between 2000 and 2020 using multiple models. We found that wetland emissions increased by 6–7 Tg CH4 yr-1 in the 2010s compared to the 2000s. Rising temperatures primarily drove this increase, while changes in precipitation and CO2 levels also played roles. Our findings highlight the importance of wetlands in the global methane budget and the need for continuous monitoring to understand their impact on climate change.
Lorena Carrasco-Barea, Dolors Verdaguer, Maria Gispert, Xavier D. Quintana, Hélène Bourhis, and Laura Llorens
Biogeosciences, 22, 289–304, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-289-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-289-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Carbon dioxide fluxes have been measured seasonally in four plant species in a Mediterranean non-tidal salt marsh, highlighting the high carbon removal potential that these species have. Carbon dioxide and methane emissions from soil showed high variability among the habitats studied, and they were generally higher than those observed in tidal salt marshes. Our results are important for making more accurate predictions regarding carbon emissions from these ecosystems.
Ekaterina Ezhova, Topi Laanti, Anna Lintunen, Pasi Kolari, Tuomo Nieminen, Ivan Mammarella, Keijo Heljanko, and Markku Kulmala
Biogeosciences, 22, 257–288, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-257-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-257-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Machine learning (ML) models are gaining popularity in biogeosciences. They are applied as gap-filling methods and used to upscale carbon fluxes to larger areas. Here we use explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods to elucidate the performance of machine learning models for carbon dioxide fluxes in boreal forests. We show that statistically equal models treat input variables differently. XAI methods can help scientists make informed decisions when applying ML models in their research.
Jessica Breavington, Alexandra Steckbauer, Chuancheng Fu, Mongi Ennasri, and Carlos M. Duarte
Biogeosciences, 22, 117–134, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-117-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-117-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Mangrove carbon storage in the Red Sea is lower than average due to challenging growth conditions. We collected mangrove soil cores over multiple seasons to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) flux of carbon dioxide and methane. GHG emissions are a small offset to mangrove carbon storage overall but punctuated by periods of high emission. This variation is linked to environmental and soil properties, which were also measured. The findings aid understanding of GHG dynamics in arid mangrove ecosystems.
Johnathan Daniel Maxey, Neil D. Hartstein, Hermann W. Bange, and Moritz Müller
Biogeosciences, 21, 5613–5637, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5613-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5613-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The distribution of N2O in fjord-like estuaries is poorly described in the Southern Hemisphere. Our study describes N2O distribution and its drivers in one such system in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania. Water samples were collected seasonally in 2022 and 2023. Results show the system removes atmospheric N2O when river flow is high, whereas the system emits N2O when the river flow is low. N2O generated in basins is intercepted by the surface water and exported to the ocean during high river flow.
Wael Al Hamwi, Maren Dubbert, Jörg Schaller, Matthias Lück, Marten Schmidt, and Mathias Hoffmann
Biogeosciences, 21, 5639–5651, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5639-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5639-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We present a fully automatic, low-cost soil–plant enclosure system to monitor CO2 and evapotranspiration fluxes within greenhouse experiments. It operates in two modes: independent, using low-cost sensors, and dependent, where multiple chambers connect to a single gas analyzer via a low-cost multiplexer. This system provides precise, accurate measurements and high temporal resolution, enabling comprehensive monitoring of plant–soil responses to various treatments and conditions.
Zhao-Jun Yong, Wei-Jen Lin, Chiao-Wen Lin, and Hsing-Juh Lin
Biogeosciences, 21, 5247–5260, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5247-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5247-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We measured CO2 and CH4 fluxes from mangrove stems and soils of Avicennia marina and Kandelia obovata during tidal cycles. Both stem types served as CO2 and CH4 sources, emitting less CH4 than soils, with no difference in CO2 flux. While A. marina stems showed increased CO2 fluxes from low to high tides, they acted as a CH4 sink before flooding and as a source after ebbing. However, K. obovata stems showed no flux pattern. This study highlights the need to consider tidal influence and species.
Ihab Alfadhel, Ignacio Peralta-Maraver, Isabel Reche, Enrique P. Sánchez-Cañete, Sergio Aranda-Barranco, Eva Rodríguez-Velasco, Andrew S. Kowalski, and Penélope Serrano-Ortiz
Biogeosciences, 21, 5117–5129, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5117-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-5117-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Inland saline lakes are crucial in the global carbon cycle, but increased droughts may alter their carbon exchange capacity. We measured CO2 and CH4 fluxes in a Mediterranean saline lake using the eddy covariance method under dry and wet conditions. We found the lake acts as a carbon sink during wet periods but not during droughts. These results highlight the importance of saline lakes in carbon sequestration and their vulnerability to climate-change-induced droughts.
Nathaniel B. Weston, Cynthia Troy, Patrick J. Kearns, Jennifer L. Bowen, William Porubsky, Christelle Hyacinthe, Christof Meile, Philippe Van Cappellen, and Samantha B. Joye
Biogeosciences, 21, 4837–4851, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4837-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4837-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse and ozone-depleting gas produced largely from microbial nitrogen cycling processes, and human activities have resulted in increases in atmospheric N2O. We investigate the role of physical and chemical disturbances to soils and sediments in N2O production. We demonstrate that physicochemical perturbation increases N2O production, microbial community adapts over time, and initial perturbation appears to confer resilience to subsequent disturbance.
Sigrid Trier Kjær, Sebastian Westermann, Nora Nedkvitne, and Peter Dörsch
Biogeosciences, 21, 4723–4737, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4723-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4723-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Permafrost peatlands are thawing due to climate change, releasing large quantities of carbon that degrades upon thawing and is released as CO2, CH4 or dissolved organic carbon (DOC). We incubated thawed Norwegian permafrost peat plateaus and thermokarst pond sediment found next to permafrost for up to 350 d to measure carbon loss. CO2 production was initially the highest, whereas CH4 production increased over time. The largest carbon loss was measured at the top of the peat plateau core as DOC.
Olivier Bouriaud, Ernst-Detlef Schulze, Konstantin Gregor, Issam Bourkhris, Peter Högberg, Roland Irslinger, Phillip Papastefanou, Julia Pongratz, Anja Rammig, Riccardo Valentini, and Christian Körner
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3092, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3092, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The impact of harvesting on forests' carbon sink capacities is debated. One view is that their sink strength is resilient to harvesting, the other that it disrupts these capacities. Our work shows that leaf area index (LAI) has been overlooked in this discussion. We found that temperate forests' carbon uptake is largely insensitive to variations in LAI beyond about 4 m² m-², but that forests operate at higher levels.
Silvie Lainela, Erik Jacobs, Stella-Theresa Luik, Gregor Rehder, and Urmas Lips
Biogeosciences, 21, 4495–4519, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4495-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4495-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We evaluate the variability of carbon dioxide and methane in the surface layer of the north-eastern basins of the Baltic Sea in 2018. We show that the shallower coastal areas have considerably higher spatial variability and seasonal amplitude of surface layer pCO2 and cCH4 than measured in the offshore areas of the Baltic Sea. Despite this high variability, caused mostly by coastal physical processes, the average annual air–sea CO2 fluxes differed only marginally between the sub-basins.
Martti Honkanen, Mika Aurela, Juha Hatakka, Lumi Haraguchi, Sami Kielosto, Timo Mäkelä, Jukka Seppälä, Simo-Matti Siiriä, Ken Stenbäck, Juha-Pekka Tuovinen, Pasi Ylöstalo, and Lauri Laakso
Biogeosciences, 21, 4341–4359, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4341-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4341-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The exchange of CO2 between the sea and the atmosphere was studied in the Archipelago Sea, Baltic Sea, in 2017–2021, using an eddy covariance technique. The sea acted as a net source of CO2 with an average yearly emission of 27.1 gC m-2 yr-1, indicating that the marine ecosystem respired carbon that originated elsewhere. The yearly CO2 emission varied between 18.2–39.2 gC m-2 yr-1, mostly due to the yearly variation of ecosystem carbon uptake.
Ralf C. H. Aben, Daniël van de Craats, Jim Boonman, Stijn H. Peeters, Bart Vriend, Coline C. F. Boonman, Ype van der Velde, Gilles Erkens, and Merit van den Berg
Biogeosciences, 21, 4099–4118, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4099-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4099-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Drained peatlands cause high CO2 emissions. We assessed the effectiveness of subsurface water infiltration systems (WISs) in reducing CO2 emissions related to increases in water table depth (WTD) on 12 sites for up to 4 years. Results show WISs markedly reduced emissions by 2.1 t CO2-C ha-1 yr-1. The relationship between the amount of carbon above the WTD and CO2 emission was stronger than the relationship between WTD and emission. Long-term monitoring is crucial for accurate emission estimates.
Ingeborg Bussmann, Eric P. Achterberg, Holger Brix, Nicolas Brüggemann, Götz Flöser, Claudia Schütze, and Philipp Fischer
Biogeosciences, 21, 3819–3838, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3819-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3819-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Methane (CH4) is an important greenhouse gas and contributes to climate warming. However, the input of CH4 from coastal areas to the atmosphere is not well defined. Dissolved and atmospheric CH4 was determined at high spatial resolution in or above the North Sea. The atmospheric CH4 concentration was mainly influenced by wind direction. With our detailed study on the spatial distribution of CH4 fluxes we were able to provide a detailed and more realistic estimation of coastal CH4 fluxes.
Niu Zhu, Jinniu Wang, Dongliang Luo, Xufeng Wang, Cheng Shen, and Ning Wu
Biogeosciences, 21, 3509–3522, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3509-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3509-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Our study delves into the vital role of subalpine forests in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau as carbon sinks in the context of climate change. Utilizing advanced eddy covariance systems, we uncover their significant carbon sequestration potential, observing distinct seasonal patterns influenced by temperature, humidity, and radiation. Notably, these forests exhibit robust carbon absorption, with potential implications for global carbon balance.
Colette L. Kelly, Nicole M. Travis, Pascale Anabelle Baya, Claudia Frey, Xin Sun, Bess B. Ward, and Karen L. Casciotti
Biogeosciences, 21, 3215–3238, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3215-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3215-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, accumulates in regions of the ocean that are low in dissolved oxygen. We used a novel combination of chemical tracers to determine how nitrous oxide is produced in one of these regions, the eastern tropical North Pacific Ocean. Our experiments showed that the two most important sources of nitrous oxide under low-oxygen conditions are denitrification, an anaerobic process, and a novel “hybrid” process performed by ammonia-oxidizing archaea.
Hella van Asperen, Thorsten Warneke, Alessandro Carioca de Araújo, Bruce Forsberg, Sávio José Filgueiras Ferreira, Thomas Röckmann, Carina van der Veen, Sipko Bulthuis, Leonardo Ramos de Oliveira, Thiago de Lima Xavier, Jailson da Mata, Marta de Oliveira Sá, Paulo Ricardo Teixeira, Julie Andrews de França e Silva, Susan Trumbore, and Justus Notholt
Biogeosciences, 21, 3183–3199, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3183-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3183-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Carbon monoxide (CO) is regarded as an important indirect greenhouse gas. Soils can emit and take up CO, but, until now, uncertainty remains as to which process dominates in tropical rainforests. We present the first soil CO flux measurements from a tropical rainforest. Based on our observations, we report that tropical rainforest soils are a net source of CO. In addition, we show that valley streams and inundated areas are likely additional hot spots of CO in the ecosystem.
Yélognissè Agbohessou, Claire Delon, Manuela Grippa, Eric Mougin, Daouda Ngom, Espoir Koudjo Gaglo, Ousmane Ndiaye, Paulo Salgado, and Olivier Roupsard
Biogeosciences, 21, 2811–2837, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2811-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2811-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Emissions of greenhouse gases in the Sahel are not well represented because they are considered weak compared to the rest of the world. However, natural areas in the Sahel emit carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides, which need to be assessed because of extended surfaces. We propose an assessment of such emissions in Sahelian silvopastoral systems and of how they are influenced by environmental characteristics. These results are essential to inform climate change strategies in the region.
Merit van den Berg, Thomas M. Gremmen, Renske J. E. Vroom, Jacobus van Huissteden, Jim Boonman, Corine J. A. van Huissteden, Ype van der Velde, Alfons J. P. Smolders, and Bas P. van de Riet
Biogeosciences, 21, 2669–2690, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2669-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2669-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Drained peatlands emit 3 % of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Paludiculture is a way to reduce CO2 emissions while at the same time generating an income for landowners. The side effect is the potentially high methane emissions. We found very high methane emissions for broadleaf cattail compared with narrowleaf cattail and water fern. The rewetting was, however, effective to stop CO2 emissions for all species. The highest potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions had narrowleaf cattail.
Antonio Donateo, Daniela Famulari, Donato Giovannelli, Arturo Mariani, Mauro Mazzola, Stefano Decesari, and Gianluca Pappaccogli
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1440, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1440, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study focuses on direct measurements of CO2 and CH4 turbulent eddy covariance fluxes in tundra ecosystems in the Svalbard Islands over a two-year period. Our results reveal dynamic interactions between climatic conditions and ecosystem activities such as photosynthesis and microbial activity. The observed net summertime methane uptake is correlated with the activation and aeration of soil microorganisms. High temperature anomalies increase CO2 and CH4 emissions.
Thomas Bauduin, Nathalie Gypens, and Alberto V. Borges
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1315, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1315, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from ponds can vary depending on the state of ponds (clear-water with macrophytes or turbid-water with phytoplankton). We studied CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions in clear and turbid urban ponds (June 2021 to December 2023) in Brussels. We observed seasonal differences in methanogenesis pathways, in CH4 emissions between clear and turbid ponds, and annual differences in total emissions of GHG, likely from intense El Niño event in 2023.
Thea H. Heimdal, Galen A. McKinley, Adrienne J. Sutton, Amanda R. Fay, and Lucas Gloege
Biogeosciences, 21, 2159–2176, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2159-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2159-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Measurements of ocean carbon are limited in time and space. Machine learning algorithms are therefore used to reconstruct ocean carbon where observations do not exist. Improving these reconstructions is important in order to accurately estimate how much carbon the ocean absorbs from the atmosphere. In this study, we find that a small addition of observations from the Southern Ocean, obtained by autonomous sampling platforms, could significantly improve the reconstructions.
Guilherme L. Torres Mendonça, Julia Pongratz, and Christian H. Reick
Biogeosciences, 21, 1923–1960, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1923-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1923-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We study the timescale dependence of airborne fraction and underlying feedbacks by a theory of the climate–carbon system. Using simulations we show the predictive power of this theory and find that (1) this fraction generally decreases for increasing timescales and (2) at all timescales the total feedback is negative and the model spread in a single feedback causes the spread in the airborne fraction. Our study indicates that those are properties of the system, independently of the scenario.
François Clayer, Jan Erik Thrane, Kuria Ndungu, Andrew King, Peter Dörsch, and Thomas Rohrlack
Biogeosciences, 21, 1903–1921, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1903-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1903-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Determination of dissolved greenhouse gas (GHG) in freshwater allows us to estimate GHG fluxes. Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is used to preserve water samples prior to GHG analysis despite its environmental and health impacts and interferences with water chemistry in freshwater. Here, we tested the effects of HgCl2, two substitutes and storage time on GHG in water from two boreal lakes. Preservation with HgCl2 caused overestimation of CO2 concentration with consequences for GHG flux estimation.
Helena Rautakoski, Mika Korkiakoski, Jarmo Mäkelä, Markku Koskinen, Kari Minkkinen, Mika Aurela, Paavo Ojanen, and Annalea Lohila
Biogeosciences, 21, 1867–1886, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1867-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1867-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Current and future nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are difficult to estimate due to their high variability in space and time. Several years of N2O fluxes from drained boreal peatland forest indicate high importance of summer precipitation, winter temperature, and snow conditions in controlling annual N2O emissions. The results indicate increasing year-to-year variation in N2O emissions in changing climate with more extreme seasonal weather conditions.
Matthias Koschorreck, Norbert Kamjunke, Uta Koedel, Michael Rode, Claudia Schuetze, and Ingeborg Bussmann
Biogeosciences, 21, 1613–1628, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1613-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1613-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We measured the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) from different sites at the river Elbe in Germany over 3 days to find out what is more important for quantification: small-scale spatial variability or diurnal temporal variability. We found that CO2 emissions were very different between day and night, while CH4 emissions were more different between sites. Dried out river sediments contributed to CO2 emissions, while the side areas of the river were important CH4 sources.
Odysseas Sifounakis, Edwin Haas, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, and Maria P. Papadopoulou
Biogeosciences, 21, 1563–1581, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1563-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1563-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We performed a full assessment of the carbon and nitrogen cycles of a cropland ecosystem. An uncertainty analysis and quantification of all carbon and nitrogen fluxes were deployed. The inventory simulations include greenhouse gas emissions of N2O, NH3 volatilization and NO3 leaching from arable land cultivation in Greece. The inventory also reports changes in soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks in arable soils.
Sarah M. Ludwig, Luke Schiferl, Jacqueline Hung, Susan M. Natali, and Roisin Commane
Biogeosciences, 21, 1301–1321, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1301-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1301-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Landscapes are often assumed to be homogeneous when using eddy covariance fluxes, which can lead to biases when calculating carbon budgets. In this study we report eddy covariance carbon fluxes from heterogeneous tundra. We used the footprints of each flux observation to unmix the fluxes coming from components of the landscape. We identified and quantified hot spots of carbon emissions in the landscape. Accurately scaling with landscape heterogeneity yielded half as much regional carbon uptake.
Justine Trémeau, Beñat Olascoaga, Leif Backman, Esko Karvinen, Henriikka Vekuri, and Liisa Kulmala
Biogeosciences, 21, 949–972, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-949-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-949-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We studied urban lawns and meadows in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Finland. We found that meadows are more resistant to drought events but that they do not increase carbon sequestration compared with lawns. Moreover, the transformation from lawns to meadows did not demonstrate any negative climate effects in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Even though social and economic aspects also steer urban development, these results can guide planning to consider carbon-smart options.
Guantao Chen, Edzo Veldkamp, Muhammad Damris, Bambang Irawan, Aiyen Tjoa, and Marife D. Corre
Biogeosciences, 21, 513–529, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-513-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-513-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We established an oil palm management experiment in a large-scale oil palm plantation in Jambi, Indonesia. We recorded oil palm fruit yield and measured soil CO2, N2O, and CH4 fluxes. After 4 years of treatment, compared with conventional fertilization with herbicide weeding, reduced fertilization with mechanical weeding did not reduce yield and soil greenhouse gas emissions, which highlights the legacy effects of over a decade of conventional management prior to the start of the experiment.
Elizabeth Gachibu Wangari, Ricky Mwangada Mwanake, Tobias Houska, David Kraus, Gretchen Maria Gettel, Ralf Kiese, Lutz Breuer, and Klaus Butterbach-Bahl
Biogeosciences, 20, 5029–5067, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-5029-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-5029-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Agricultural landscapes act as sinks or sources of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) CO2, CH4, or N2O. Various physicochemical and biological processes control the fluxes of these GHGs between ecosystems and the atmosphere. Therefore, fluxes depend on environmental conditions such as soil moisture, soil temperature, or soil parameters, which result in large spatial and temporal variations of GHG fluxes. Here, we describe an example of how this variation may be studied and analyzed.
Laurie C. Menviel, Paul Spence, Andrew E. Kiss, Matthew A. Chamberlain, Hakase Hayashida, Matthew H. England, and Darryn Waugh
Biogeosciences, 20, 4413–4431, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4413-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4413-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
As the ocean absorbs 25% of the anthropogenic emissions of carbon, it is important to understand the impact of climate change on the flux of carbon between the ocean and the atmosphere. Here, we use a very high-resolution ocean, sea-ice, carbon cycle model to show that the capability of the Southern Ocean to uptake CO2 has decreased over the last 40 years due to a strengthening and poleward shift of the southern hemispheric westerlies. This trend is expected to continue over the coming century.
Petr Znachor, Jiří Nedoma, Vojtech Kolar, and Anna Matoušů
Biogeosciences, 20, 4273–4288, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4273-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4273-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We conducted intensive spatial sampling of the hypertrophic fishpond to better understand the spatial dynamics of methane fluxes and environmental heterogeneity in fishponds. The diffusive fluxes of methane accounted for only a minor fraction of the total fluxes and both varied pronouncedly within the pond and over the studied summer season. This could be explained only by the water depth. Wind substantially affected temperature, oxygen and chlorophyll a distribution in the pond.
Sofie Sjögersten, Martha Ledger, Matthias Siewert, Betsabé de la Barreda-Bautista, Andrew Sowter, David Gee, Giles Foody, and Doreen S. Boyd
Biogeosciences, 20, 4221–4239, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4221-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4221-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Permafrost thaw in Arctic regions is increasing methane emissions, but quantification is difficult given the large and remote areas impacted. We show that UAV data together with satellite data can be used to extrapolate emissions across the wider landscape as well as detect areas at risk of higher emissions. A transition of currently degrading areas to fen type vegetation can increase emission by several orders of magnitude, highlighting the importance of quantifying areas at risk.
Cole G. Brachmann, Tage Vowles, Riikka Rinnan, Mats P. Björkman, Anna Ekberg, and Robert G. Björk
Biogeosciences, 20, 4069–4086, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4069-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4069-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Herbivores change plant communities through grazing, altering the amount of CO2 and plant-specific chemicals (termed VOCs) emitted. We tested this effect by excluding herbivores and studying the CO2 and VOC emissions. Herbivores reduced CO2 emissions from a meadow community and altered VOC composition; however, community type had the strongest effect on the amount of CO2 and VOCs released. Herbivores can mediate greenhouse gas emissions, but the effect is marginal and community dependent.
Ole Lessmann, Jorge Encinas Fernández, Karla Martínez-Cruz, and Frank Peeters
Biogeosciences, 20, 4057–4068, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4057-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4057-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Based on a large dataset of seasonally resolved methane (CH4) pore water concentrations in a reservoir's sediment, we assess the significance of CH4 emissions due to reservoir flushing. In the studied reservoir, CH4 emissions caused by one flushing operation can represent 7 %–14 % of the annual CH4 emissions and depend on the timing of the flushing operation. In reservoirs with high sediment loadings, regular flushing may substantially contribute to the overall CH4 emissions.
Cited articles
Bae, W. and Rittmann, B. E.: A structured model of dual-limitation kinetics, Biotechnol. Bioeng., 49, 683-689, 1996.
Bastviken, D., Ejlertsson, J., and Tranvik, L.: Measurement of methane oxidation in lakes: A comparison of methods, Environ. Sci. Technol., 36, 3354–3361, 2002.
Bastviken, D., Cole, J., Pace, M., and Tranvik, L.: Methane emissions from lakes: Dependence of lake characteristics, two regional assessments, and a global estimate, Global Biogeochem. Cy., 18, GB4009, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004GB002238, 2004.
Bastviken, D., Tranvik, L. J., Downing, J. A., Crill, P. M., and Enrich-Prast, A.: Freshwater Methane Emissions Offset the Continental Carbon Sink, Science, 331, 50–50, 2011.
Bellido, J. L., Peltomaa, E., and Ojala, A.: An urban boreal lake basin as a source of CO2 and CH4, Environ. Pollut., 159, 1649–1659, 2011.
Bender, M. and Conrad, R.: Effect of CH4 concentrations and soil conditions on the induction of CH4 oxidation activity, Soil Biol. Biochem., 27, 1517–1527, 1995.
Borrel, G., Jezequel, D., Biderre-Petit, C., Morel-Desrosiers, N., Morel, J. P., Peyret, P., Fonty, G., and Lehours, A. C.: Production and consumption of methane in freshwater lake ecosystems, Res. Microbiol., 162, 832–847, 2011.
Bowman, J. P., McCammon, S. A., and Skerratt J. H.: Methylosphaera hansonii gen nov, sp nov, a psychrophilic, group I methanotroph from Antarctic marine-salinity, meromictic lakes, Microbiology, 143, 1451–1459, 1997.
Branco, C. W. C., Kozlowsky-Suzuki, B., Sousa-Filho, I. F., Guarino, A. W. S., and Rocha, R. J.: Impact of climate on the vertical water column structure of Lajes Reservoir (Brazil): A tropical reservoir case, Lake Reserv. Manage., 14, 175–191, 2009.
Carini, S., Bano, N., LeCleir, G., and Joye, S. B.: Aerobic methane oxidation and methanotroph community composition during seasonal stratification in Mono Lake, California (USA), Environ. Microbiol., 7, 1127–1138, 2005.
Clilverd, H., White, D., and Lilly, M.: Chemical and physical controls on the oxygen regime of ice-covered arctic lakes and reservoirs, J. Am. Water Resour. As., 45, 500–511, 2009.
Czudek, T. and Demek, J.: Thermokarst in Siberia and its influence on the development of lowland relief, Quaternary Res., 1, 103–120, 1970.
Dunfield, P. F., Liesack, W., Henckel, T., Knowles, R., and Conrad, R.: High-affinity methane oxidation by a soil enrichment culture containing a type II methanotroph, Appl. Environ. Microb., 65, 1009–1014, 1999.
Dzyuban, A. N.: Dynamics of microbial oxidation of methane in the water of stratified lakes, Microbiology, 79, 822–829, 2010.
Frenzel, P., Thebrath, B., and Conrad, R.: Oxidation of methane in the oxic surface-layer of a deep lake sediment (Lake Constance), Fems Microbiol. Ecol., 73, 149–158, 1990.
Gentzel, T., Hershey, A. E., Rublee, P. A., and Whalen, S. C.: Net sediment production of methane, distribution of methanogens and methane-oxidizing bacteria, and utilization of methane-derived carbon in an arctic lake, Inland Waters, 2, 77–88, 2012.
Greene, S., Walter Anthony, K. M., Archer, D., Sepulveda-Jauregui, A., and Martinez-Cruz, K.: Modeling the impediment of methane ebullition bubbles by seasonal lake ice, Biogeosciences, 11, 6791–6811, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-6791-2014, 2014.
Gregory-Eaves, I., Smol, J. P., Finney, B. P., Lean, D. R. S., and Edwards, M. E.: Characteristics and variation in lakes along a north-south transect in Alaska, Arch. Hydrobiol., 147, 193–223, 2000.
Grosse, G., Jones, B., and Arp, C.: Thermokarst lakes, drainage, and drained basins, in: Treatise on Geomorphology, edited by: Shroder, J. F., Giardino, R., and Harbor, J., Glacial and Periglacial Geomorphology, Academic Press, San Diego, 8, 325–353, 2013.
Heslop, J. K., Walter Anthony, K. M., Sepulveda-Jauregui, A., Martinez-Cruz, K., Bondurant, A., Grosse, G., and Jones, M. C.: Thermokarst lake methanogenesis along a complete talik profile, Biogeosciences, 12, 4317–4331, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-4317-2015, 2015.
He, R., Wooller, M. J., Pohlman, J. W., Quensen, J., Tiedje, J. M., and Leigh, M. B.: Diversity of active aerobic methanotrophs along depth profiles of arctic and subarctic lake water column and sediments, ISME J., 6, 1937–1948, 2012.
Hugelius, G., Strauss, J., Zubrzycki, S., Harden, J. W., Schuur, E. A. G., Ping, C.-L., Schirrmeister, L., Grosse, G., Michaelson, G. J., Koven, C. D., O'Donnell, J. A., Elberling, B., Mishra, U., Camill, P., Yu, Z., Palmtag, J., and Kuhry, P.: Estimated stocks of circumpolar permafrost carbon with quantified uncertainty ranges and identified data gaps, Biogeosciences, 11, 6573–6593, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-6573-2014, 2014.
Jones, R. I. and Grey, J.: Biogenic methane in freshwater food webs, Freshwater Biol., 56, 213–229, 2011.
Jorgenson, T., Yoshikawa, K., Kanevskiy, M., Shur, Y., Romanovsky, V., Marchenko, S., Grosse, G., Brown, J., and Jones, B.: Permafrost Characteristics of Alaska. Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks NICOP, University of Alaska Fairbanks, USA, 2008.
Juutinen, S., Rantakari, M., Kortelainen, P., Huttunen, J. T., Larmola, T., Alm, J., Silvola, J., and Martikainen, P. J.: Methane dynamics in different boreal lake types, Biogeosciences, 6, 209–223, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-6-209-2009, 2009.
Kanevskiy, M., Shur, Y., Fortier, D., Jorgenson, M. T., and Stephani, E.: Cryostratigraphy of late Pleistocene syngenetic permafrost (yedoma) in northern Alaska, Itkillik River exposure, Quaternary Res., 75, 584–596, 2011.
Kankaala, P., Huotari, J., Peltomaa, E., Saloranta, T., and Ojala, A.: Methanotrophic activity in relation to methane efflux and total heterotrophic bacterial production in a stratified, humic, boreal lake, Limnol. Oceanogr., 51, 1195–1204, 2006.
Kankaala, P., Taipale, S., Nykanen, H., and Jones, R. I.: Oxidation, efflux, and isotopic fractionation of methane during autumnal turnover in a polyhumic, boreal lake, J. Geophy. Res.-Biogeo., 112, G02003, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006JG000336, 2007.
Khvorostyanov, D. V., Ciais, P., Krinner, G., Zimov, S. A., Corradi, C., and Guggenberger, G.: Vulnerability of permafrost carbon to global warming. Part II: sensitivity of permafrost carbon stock to global warming, Tellus B, 60, 265–275, 2008.
Kovarova-Kovar, K. and Egli, T.: Growth kinetics of suspended microbial cells: from single-substrate-controlled growth to mixed-substrate kinetics, Microbiol. Mol. Biol. Rev., 62, 646–666, 1998.
Lidstrom, M. E. and Somers, L.: Seasonal study of methane oxidation in lake Washington, Appl. Environ. Microb., 47, 1255–1260, 1984.
Liikanen, A., Huttunen, J. T., Valli, K., and Martikainen, P. J.: Methane cycling in the sediment and water column of mid-boreal hyper-eutrophic Lake Kevaton, Finland, Arch. Hydrobiol., 154, 585–603, 2002.
Lofton, D. D., Whalen, S. C., and Hershey, A. E.: Effect of temperature on methane dynamics and evaluation of methane oxidation kinetics in shallow Arctic Alaskan lakes, Hydrobiologia, 721, 209–222, 2014.
Martinez-Cruz, K., Sepulveda-Jauregui, A., Escobar-Orozco, N., and Thalasso, F.: Methanogenic activity tests by Infrared Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy, J. Microbiol. Meth., 91, 89–92, 2012.
Murrell, J. C., McGowan, V., and Cardy, D. L. N.: Detection of methylotrophic bacteria in natural samples by molecular probing techniques, Chemosphere, 26, 1–11, 1993.
Omelchenko, M. V., Vasilyeva, L. V., and Zavarzin, G. A.: Psychrophilic methanotrophs from tundra soil, Curr. Microbiol., 27, 255–259, 1993.
Omelchenko, M. V., Vasileva, L. V., Zavarzin, G. A., Saveleva, N. D., Lysenko, A. M., Mityushina, L. L., Kamelenina, V. N., and Trotsenko, Y. A.: A novel psychrophilic methanotroph of the genus Methylobacter, Microbiology, 65, 339–343, 1996.
Padisak, J., Barbosa, F., Koschel, R., and Krienitz, L.: Deep layer cyanoprokaryota maxima in temperate and tropical lakes, Arch. Hydrobiol., 58, 175–199, 2003.
Phelps, A. R., Peterson, K. M., and Jeffries, M. O.: Methane efflux from high-latitude lakes during spring ice melt, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 103, 29029–29036, 1998.
Pimenov, N. V., Kallistova, A. Y., Rusanov, I. I., Yusopov, S. K., Montonen, L., Jurgens, G., Munster, U., Nozhevnikova, A. N., and Ivanov, M. V.: Methane formation and oxidation in the meromictic oligotrophic Lake Gek-Gel (Azerbaijan), Microbiology, 79, 247–252, 2010.
Ping, C. L., Michaelson, G. J., Jorgenson, M. T., Kimble, J. M., Epstein, H., Romanovsky, V. E., and Walker, D. A.: High stocks of soil organic carbon in the North American Arctic region, Nat. Geosci., 1, 615–619, 2008.
Rudd, J. W. M. and Hamilton, R. D.: Methane Cycling in a Eutrophic Shield Lake and Its Effects on Whole Lake Metabolism, Limnol. Oceanogr., 23, 337–348, 1978.
Schubert, C. J., Lucas, F. S., Durisch-Kaiser, E., Stierli, R., Diem, T., Scheidegger, O., Vazquez, F., and Muller, B.: Oxidation and emission of methane in a monomictic lake (Rotsee, Switzerland) Aquat. Sci., 72, 455–466, 2010.
Segers, R.: Methane production and methane consumption: a review of processes underlying wetland methane fluxes, Biogeochemistry, 41, 23–51, 1998.
Seifert, L. I. and Scheu, S.: Linking aquatic and terrestrial food webs – Odonata in boreal systems, Freshwater Biol., 57, 1449–1457, 2012.
Semrau, J. D., DiSpirito, A. A., and Murrell J. C.: Life in the extreme: thermoacidophilic methanotrophy, Trends Microbiol., 16, 190–193, 2008.
Semrau, J. D., DiSpirito, A. A., and Yoon, S.: Methanotrophs and copper, Fems Microbiol. Rev., 34, 496–531, 2010.
Sepulveda-Jauregui, A., Martinez-Cruz, K., Strohm, A., Anthony, K. M. W., and Thalasso, F.: A new method for field measurement of dissolved methane in water using infrared tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy, Limnol. Oceanogr.-Methods, 10, 560–567, 2012.
Sepulveda-Jauregui, A., Walter Anthony, K. M., Martinez-Cruz, K., Greene, S., and Thalasso, F.: Methane and carbon dioxide emissions from 40 lakes along a north-south latitudinal transect in Alaska, Biogeosciences, 12, 3197–3223, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-3197-2015, 2015.
Smith, S. L., Romanovsky, V. E., Lewkowicz, A. G., Burn, C. R., Allard, M., Clow, G. D., Yoshikawa, K., and Throop, J.: Thermal State of Permafrost in North America: A Contribution to the International Polar Year, Permafrost Periglac., 21, 117–135, 2010.
Taipale, S. J., Brett, M. T., Pulkkinen, K., and Kainz, M. J.: The influence of bacteria-dominated diets on Daphnia magna somatic growth, reproduction, and lipid composition, Fems Microbiol. Ecol., 82, 50–62, 2012.
Tan, Z., Zhuang, Q., Walter Anthony, K. M.: Modeling methane emissions from arctic lakes: model development and site-level study, J. Adv. Model. Earth Sy., 07, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014MS000344, 2015.
Tarnocai, C., Canadell, J. G., Schuur, E. A. G., Kuhry, P., Mazhitova, G., and Zimov, S.: Soil organic carbon pools in the northern circumpolar permafrost region, Global Biogeochem. Cy., 23, GB2023, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008GB003327, 2009.
Thauer, R. K., Kaster, A. K., Seedorf, H., Buckel, W., and Hedderich, R.: Methanogenic archaea: ecologically relevant differences in energy conservation, Nat. Rev. Microbiol., 6, 579–591, 2008.
Trotsenko, Y. A. and Khmelenina, V. N.: Biology of extremophilic and extremotolerant methanotrophs, Arch. Microbiol., 177, 123–131, 2002.
Trotsenko, Y. A. and Murrell, J. C.: Metabolic aspects of aerobic obligate methanotrophy, Adv. Appl. Microbiol., 63, 183–229, 2008.
Utsumi, M., Nojiri, Y., Nakamura, T., Nozawa, T., Otsuki, A., Takamura, N., Watanabe, M., and Seki, H.: Dynamics of dissolved methane and methane oxidation in dimictic Lake Nojiri during winter, Limnol. Oceanogr., 43, 10–17, 1998a.
Utsumi, M., Nojiri, Y., Nakamura, T., Nozawa, T., Otsuki, A., and Seki, H.: Oxidation of dissolved methane in a eutrophic, shallow lake: Lake Kasumigaura, Japan, Limnol. Oceanogr., 43, 471–480, 1998b.
Walter, K. M., Zimov, S. A., Chanton, J. P., Verbyla, D., and Chapin, F. S.: Methane bubbling from Siberian thaw lakes as a positive feedback to climate warming, Nature, 443, 71–75, 2006.
Walter, K. M., Smith, L. C., and Chapin, F. S.: Methane bubbling from northern lakes: present and future contributions to the global methane budget, Philos. T. R. Soc. A., 365, 1657–1676, 2007.
Walter Anthony, K. M. and Anthony, P.: Constraining spatial variability of methane ebullition seeps in thermokarst lakes using point process models, J. Geophys. Res.-Biogeo., 118, 1015–1034, 2013.
Walter Anthony, K. M., Zimov S. A., Grosse, G., Jones, M. C., Anthony, P., Chapin III, F. S., Finlay, J. C., Mack, M. C., Davydov, S., Frenzel, P., and Frolking S.: A shift of thermokarst lakes from carbon sources to sinks during the Holocene epoch, Nature, 511, 452–456, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature13560, 2014.
Whalen, S. C., Reeburgh, W. S., and Sandbeck, K. A.: Rapid methane oxidation in a ladfill cover soil, Appl. Environ. Microb., 56, 3405–3411, 1990.
White, D. M., Clilverd, H. M., Tidwell, A. C., Little, L., Lilly, M. R., Chambers, M., and Reichardt, D.: A tool for modeling the winter oxygen depletion rate in arctic lakes, J. Am. Water Resour. As., 44, 293–304, 2008.
Wooller, M. J., Pohlman, J. W., Gaglioti, B. V., Langdon, P., Jones, M., Anthony, K. M. W., Becker, K. W., Hinrichs, K. U., and Elvert, M.: Reconstruction of past methane availability in an Arctic Alaska wetland indicates climate influenced methane release during the past 12 000 years, J. Paleolimnol., 48, 27–42, 2012.
Zimov, S. A., Voropaev, Y. V., Semiletov, I. P., Davidov, S. P., Prosiannikov, S. F., Chapin, F. S., Chapin, M. C., Trumbore, S., and Tyler, S.: North Siberian lakes: A methane source fueled by Pleistocene carbon, Science, 277, 800–802, 1997.
Zimov, S. A., Schuur, E. A. G., and Chapin III, F. S.: Permafrost and the Global Carbon Budget, Science, 312, 1612–1613, 2006.
Short summary
We assessed the importance of aerobic CH4 oxidation in Alaskan lakes. We conducted field measurement of dissolved CH4 and O2 together with determination of the CH4 oxidation rate. We found that during winter, CH4 oxidation was limited by O2 concentration and during summer, by CH4 concentration. In addition to seasonal variations, the type of permafrost on which the lakes were located was identified as a key factor, indicating that landscape processes play an important role in lake CH4 cycling.
We assessed the importance of aerobic CH4 oxidation in Alaskan lakes. We conducted field...
Special issue
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint