In a new study, researchers examined the waxy coatings of leaves preserved as organic molecules within sediment from the early-to-middle Holocene, a period of intense warming that occurred due to slow changes in Earth's orbit 11,700 to 4,200 years ago. They found that warming potentially could lead to a previously under-appreciated flux in methane emissions from lakes.
By studying fossils from ancient aquatic plants, Northwestern University and University of Wyoming researchers are gaining a better understanding of how methane produced in Arctic lakes might affect -- and be affected by -- climate change.
Currently, researchers have incomplete knowledge of how much methane is produced in Arctic lakes and how ongoing warming will affect methane production. The new study suggests that warming potentially could lead to a previously under-appreciated flux in methane emissions from lakes.
To explore these dynamics, the researchers produced new data at two lakes and reviewed published data from two additional lakes on Greenland . They compared the hydrogen isotopic composition of aquatic plant waxes within the sediment to biomarkers from terrestrial plants and other sources. The isotopic composition of biomarkers from aquatic plants revealed a signature from methane during the early-middle Holocene at most sites.
"The Arctic has huge areas covered in lakes," Axford said."Not every lake has mosses that will record methane dynamics, but our study also highlights that those vast swaths of Arctic lakes are vulnerable to climate-driven changes in methane cycling, whether mosses are on site to witness those changes or not. This is yet another way that rapid warming in the Arctic could affect global climate."Jamie M. McFarlin, Yarrow Axford, Stephanie Kusch, Andrew L. Masterson, G.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Meet the Thai women reviving ancient recipes for food-lovers in BangkokA project designed to revive ancient Thai recipes and reinvent them for modern diners is causing a stir in Bangkok.
Read more »
Arctic Monkeys’ show at Kia Forum proves they’re the best of British rockWith a remarkably large and dedicated fanbase in Southern California, the Arctic Monkeys play three sold-out shows at the Inglewood arena this weekend.
Read more »
Atlantic walrus more vulnerable than ever to Arctic warmingPast cycles of climate change, along with human exploitation, have led to only small and isolated stocks of Atlantic walrus remaining. The current population is at high risk of the same issues affecting them severely, according to a new study.
Read more »
Chilling News: NASA Finds 2023 Arctic Sea Ice 6th Lowest on RecordSatellite data shows that Arctic sea ice likely reached its annual minimum extent on September 19, 2023. Arctic sea ice likely reached its annual minimum extent on September 19, 2023, making it the sixth-lowest year in the satellite record, according to researchers at NASA and the National Snow a
Read more »
'Dark' archaeologists scour melting ice for ancient artifactsFrom frozen baby mammoths to ancient skis, glacial archaeologists are finding invaluable artifacts and fossils in the world's melting ice.
Read more »