Ice record of delta13C for atmospheric CH4 across the Younger Dryas-Preboreal transition

Science. 2006 Aug 25;313(5790):1109-12. doi: 10.1126/science.1126562.

Abstract

We report atmospheric methane carbon isotope ratios (delta13CH4) from the Western Greenland ice margin spanning the Younger Dryas-to-Preboreal (YD-PB) transition. Over the recorded approximately 800 years, delta13CH4 was around -46 per mil (per thousand); that is, approximately 1 per thousand higher than in the modern atmosphere and approximately 5.5 per thousand higher than would be expected from budgets without 13C-rich anthropogenic emissions. This requires higher natural 13C-rich emissions or stronger sink fractionation than conventionally assumed. Constant delta13CH4 during the rise in methane concentration at the YD-PB transition is consistent with additional emissions from tropical wetlands, or aerobic plant CH4 production, or with a multisource scenario. A marine clathrate source is unlikely.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atmosphere*
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Carbon Isotopes / analysis
  • Climate*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Environment
  • Greenland
  • Ice / analysis*
  • Methane / analysis*
  • Methane / metabolism
  • Plants / metabolism
  • Time

Substances

  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Ice
  • Methane