Carbon and hydrogen isotopic characterization of methane from wetlands and lakes of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Western Alaska

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/91JD02885· OSTI ID:7065756

Martens, C S; Kelley, C A; Chanton, J P; Showers, W J ^[1]

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1. North Carolina Univ., Chapel Hill (United States) North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh (United States)

The results are reported of a study of the carbon and hydrogen isotopic composition of methane from tundra environments of the Yukon-Kuskokwin Delta of western Alaska. The delta C-13 value of diffusive methane emissions from wet meadow tundra of the Delta is -65.82 +/- 2.21 per mil (n=18). Detritus-rich sediments of tundra lakes are loaded with methane-rich gas bubbles during the warm season. Spatial trend is the major gas concentration and isotopic values of methane in these gas bubbles appear to reflect processes associated with production rate and mechanisms; high methane concentrations, lightest delta C-13 values, the heaviest delta D value occur in detritus-rich sediments isolated from emergent vegetation. Heavier delta C-13 and lighter delta D values in methane from heavily vegetated lake margins suggest a shift toward a larger role for acetate fermentation in association with aquatic plants and plant detritus. Bubble ebullition is estimated to account for up to 17 percent of total Delta methane emissions. 50 refs.

• OSTI ID: 7065756
• Journal Information: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States) Vol. 97; ISSN JGREA2; ISSN 0148-0227
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
ALKANES
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
BUBBLES
CARBON ISOTOPES
ECOSYSTEMS
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
ISOTOPES
LAKES
METHANE
MONITORING
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PRODUCTION
SEDIMENTS
SURFACE WATERS
TUNDRA
WETLANDS