Factors Regulating Methane Production and Oxidation in Two Shallow Arctic Alaskan Lakes ...

• Main Author: Lofton, Dendy D.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 2012
• Subjects: Arctic; Alaska
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.17615/ss20-y033; https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/concern/dissertations/8623hz79v?locale=en

Methane (CH4) is second only to CO2 as a greenhouse gas and is produced in the terminal step of organic matter decomposition in anaerobic environments, including lake sediments. Given the widespread distribution of lakes in Arctic Alaska, CH4 emission from these lakes may significantly contribute to the atmospheric CH4 budget. Aerobic methane oxidizing bacteria consume CH4 diffusing from anaerobic zones of production, thereby modulating the flux of CH4 to the atmosphere. Multiple research efforts indicate a significant source strength for arctic environments in the atmospheric CH4 budget. Predicted climate induced alterations to the arctic landscape include increased organic matter loading from the terrestrial environment and increased temperature. These environmental changes can influence both rates of CH4 production and oxidation, possibly altering rates of CH4 exchange between shallow arctic lakes and the atmosphere. I assessed rates and controls on CH4 production and oxidation in two shallow arctic lakes ...