Biogeochemical aspects of atmospheric methane
- National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO (USA)
Methane is the most abundant organic chemical in Earth's atmosphere, and its concentration is increasing with time. Photochemical reactions oxidize methane in the atmosphere; through these reactions, methane exerts strong influence over the chemistry of the troposphere and the stratosphere and many species including ozone, hydroxyl radicals, and carbon monoxide. Also, through its infrared absorption spectrum, methane is an important greenhouse gas in the climate system. The key roles and reactions of methane are described and enumerated. Two kinds of methane production are examined in detail: microbial and thermogenic. Microbial methanogenesis is described, and key organisms and substrates are identified along with their properties and habitats. Microbial methane oxidation limits the release of methane from certain methanogenic areas. Both aerobic and anaerobic oxidation are described along with methods to measure rates of methane production and oxidation experimentally. Indicators of the origin of methane, including C and H isotopes, are reviewed. Several constraints on the budget of atmospheric methane, its sources, sinks and residence time are identified and evaluated. From these constraints and other data on sources and inks, a list of sources and sinks, identities, and sizes are constructed. 299 refs., 11 figs., 4 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 6704984
- Journal Information:
- Global Biogeochemical Cycles; (USA), Vol. 2:4; ISSN 0886-6236
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
METHANE
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
AIR POLLUTION
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
INFRARED SPECTRA
METHANOGENIC BACTERIA
OXIDATION
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
SINKS
ALKANES
BACTERIA
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
GEOCHEMISTRY
HYDROCARBONS
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SPECTRA
540120* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
560300 - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology