Biogeochemical aspects of atmospheric methane

Biogeochemical aspects of atmospheric methane

1988-12-01 | R. J. Cicerone, R. S. Oremland
The article "Biogeochemical Aspects of Atmospheric Methane" by R. J. Cicerone and R. S. Oremland discusses the significant role of methane in Earth's atmosphere, its sources, and its impact on climate. Methane, the most abundant organic gas in the atmosphere, is increasing globally, with implications for ozone, hydroxyl radicals, and carbon monoxide levels. The authors highlight the importance of photochemical reactions that oxidize methane, which affect tropospheric and stratospheric chemistry and contribute to climate change through their infrared absorption properties. The paper reviews the microbiology of methane formation, focusing on microbial methanogenesis and methane oxidation. Microbial methanogenesis occurs in anaerobic environments such as wetlands, rice paddies, and animal digestive systems, where specific bacteria convert organic matter into methane. Methane oxidation, both aerobic and anaerobic, limits methane release from certain ecosystems and is a global sink for the gas. The authors also discuss the use of stable isotopes and radiocarbon to trace methane sources, distinguishing between microbial and thermogenic methane based on their isotopic signatures. The article concludes with an analysis of atmospheric methane budgets, estimating annual sources and sinks, and discussing the challenges in understanding methane's role in climate change. The increasing atmospheric methane concentrations, particularly in recent decades, are attributed to both natural and human activities, emphasizing the need for further research to better understand and manage this critical greenhouse gas.The article "Biogeochemical Aspects of Atmospheric Methane" by R. J. Cicerone and R. S. Oremland discusses the significant role of methane in Earth's atmosphere, its sources, and its impact on climate. Methane, the most abundant organic gas in the atmosphere, is increasing globally, with implications for ozone, hydroxyl radicals, and carbon monoxide levels. The authors highlight the importance of photochemical reactions that oxidize methane, which affect tropospheric and stratospheric chemistry and contribute to climate change through their infrared absorption properties. The paper reviews the microbiology of methane formation, focusing on microbial methanogenesis and methane oxidation. Microbial methanogenesis occurs in anaerobic environments such as wetlands, rice paddies, and animal digestive systems, where specific bacteria convert organic matter into methane. Methane oxidation, both aerobic and anaerobic, limits methane release from certain ecosystems and is a global sink for the gas. The authors also discuss the use of stable isotopes and radiocarbon to trace methane sources, distinguishing between microbial and thermogenic methane based on their isotopic signatures. The article concludes with an analysis of atmospheric methane budgets, estimating annual sources and sinks, and discussing the challenges in understanding methane's role in climate change. The increasing atmospheric methane concentrations, particularly in recent decades, are attributed to both natural and human activities, emphasizing the need for further research to better understand and manage this critical greenhouse gas.
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