scholarly journals Spatial variability of diploptene δ<sup>13</sup>C values in thermokarst lakes: the potential to analyse the complexity of lacustrine methane cycling

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (15) ◽  
pp. 12157-12189
Author(s):  
K. L. Davies ◽  
R. D. Pancost ◽  
M. E. Edwards ◽  
K. M. Walter Anthony ◽  
P. G. Langdon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methane Oxidation ◽  
Methane Production ◽  
Central Area ◽  
Source Area ◽  
Methane Flux ◽  
Oxidation Activity ◽  
Transport Pathways ◽  
Δ13c Values ◽  
Thermokarst Lakes ◽  
Methane Ebullition

Abstract. Cryospheric changes in northern high latitudes are linked to significant greenhouse gas flux to the atmosphere, including methane release that originates from organic matter decomposition in thermokarst lakes. The connections between methane production in sediments, transport pathways and oxidation are not well understood and this has implications for any attempts to reconstruct methane production from sedimentary archives. We assessed methane oxidation as represented by methane oxidising bacteria across the surface sediments of two interior Alaska thermokarst lakes in relation to methane emissions via ebullition (bubbling). The bacterial biomarker diploptene was present and had low δ13C values (lower than −38 ‰) in all sediments analysed, suggesting methane oxidation was widespread. The most δ13C-depleted diploptene was found in the area of highest methane ebullition emissions in Ace Lake (δ13C diplotene values between −68.2 and −50.1 ‰), suggesting a positive link between methane production, oxidation, and emission in this area. In contrast, significantly less depleted diploptene δ13C values (between −42.9 and −38.8 ‰) were found in the area of highest methane ebullition emissions in Smith Lake. Lower δ13C values of diploptene were found in the central area of Smith Lake (between −56.8 and −46.9 ‰), where methane ebullition rates are low but methane diffusion appears high. Using δ13C-diplotene as a proxy for methane oxidation activity, we suggest the observed differences in methane oxidation levels among sites within the two lakes could be linked to differences in source area of methane production (e.g. age and type of organic carbon) and bathymetry as it relates to varying oxycline depths and changing pressure gradients. As a result, methane oxidation is highly lake-dependent. The diploptene δ13C values also highlight strong within-lake variability, implying that single-value, down-core records of hopanoid isotopic signatures are not secure indicators of changing methane flux at the whole-lake scale.

scholarly journals Diploptene <i>δ</i><sup>13</sup>C values from contemporary thermokarst lake sediments show complex spatial variation

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2611-2621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberley L. Davies ◽  
Richard D. Pancost ◽  
Mary E. Edwards ◽  
Katey M. Walter Anthony ◽  
Peter G. Langdon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Lake Sediments ◽  
Methane Oxidation ◽  
Methane Production ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Δ13c Values ◽  
Thermokarst Lakes ◽  
Methane Ebullition ◽  
Methane Efflux ◽  
Isotopic Signal

Abstract. Cryospheric changes in northern high latitudes are linked to significant greenhouse gas flux to the atmosphere, for example, methane that originates from organic matter decomposition in thermokarst lakes. The set of pathways that link methane production in sediments, via oxidation in the lake system, to the flux of residual methane to the atmosphere is complex and exhibits temporal and spatial variation. The isotopic signal of bacterial biomarkers (hopanoids, e.g. diploptene) in sediments has been used to identify contemporary ocean-floor methane seeps and, in the geological record, periods of enhanced methane production (e.g. the PETM). The biomarker approach could potentially be used to assess temporal changes in lake emissions through the Holocene via the sedimentary biomarker record. However, there are no data on the consistency of the signal of isotopic depletion in relation to source or on the amount of noise (unexplained variation) in biomarker values from modern lake sediments. We assessed methane oxidation as represented by the isotopic signal of biomarkers from methane oxidising bacteria (MOB) in multiple surface sediment samples in three distinct areas known to emit varying levels of methane in two shallow Alaskan thermokarst lakes. Diploptene was present and had δ13C values lower than −38 ‰ in all sediments analysed, suggesting methane oxidation was widespread. However, there was considerable variation in δ13C values within each area. The most 13C-depleted diploptene was found in an area of high methane ebullition in Ace Lake (diploptene δ13C values between −68.2 and −50.1 ‰). In contrast, significantly higher diploptene δ13C values (between −42.9 and −38.8 ‰) were found in an area of methane ebullition in Smith Lake. δ13C values of diploptene between −56.8 and −46.9 ‰ were found in the centre of Smith Lake, where ebullition rates are low but diffusive methane efflux occurs. The small-scale heterogeneity of the samples may reflect patchy distribution of substrate and/or MOB within the sediments. The two ebullition areas differ in age and type of organic carbon substrate, which may affect methane production, transport, and subsequent oxidation. Given the high amount of variation in surface samples, a more extensive calibration of modern sediment properties, within and among lakes, is required before down-core records of hopanoid isotopic signatures are developed.

scholarly journals Detection and spatiotemporal analysis of methane ebullition on thermokarst lake ice using high-resolution optical aerial imagery

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. R. Lindgren ◽  
G. Grosse ◽  
K. M. Walter Anthony ◽  
F. J. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Image Acquisition ◽  
Optical Image ◽  
Aerial Imagery ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Lake Ice ◽  
Thermokarst Lakes ◽  
Thermokarst Lake ◽  
Methane Ebullition

Abstract. Thermokarst lakes are important emitters of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. However, accurate estimation of methane flux from thermokarst lakes is difficult due to their remoteness and observational challenges associated with the heterogeneous nature of ebullition. We used high-resolution (9–11 cm) snow-free aerial images of an interior Alaskan thermokarst lake acquired 2 and 4 days following freeze-up in 2011 and 2012, respectively, to detect and characterize methane ebullition seeps and to estimate whole-lake ebullition. Bubbles impeded by the lake ice sheet form distinct white patches as a function of bubbling when lake ice grows downward and around them, trapping the gas in the ice. Our aerial imagery thus captured a snapshot of bubbles trapped in lake ice during the ebullition events that occurred before the image acquisition. Image analysis showed that low-flux A- and B-type seeps are associated with low brightness patches and are statistically distinct from high-flux C-type and hotspot seeps associated with high brightness patches. Mean whole-lake ebullition based on optical image analysis in combination with bubble-trap flux measurements was estimated to be 174 ± 28 and 216 ± 33 mL gas m−2 d−1 for the years 2011 and 2012, respectively. A large number of seeps demonstrated spatiotemporal stability over our 2-year study period. A strong inverse exponential relationship (R2 >  =  0.79) was found between the percent of the surface area of lake ice covered with bubble patches and distance from the active thermokarst lake margin. Even though the narrow timing of optical image acquisition is a critical factor, with respect to both atmospheric pressure changes and snow/no-snow conditions during early lake freeze-up, our study shows that optical remote sensing is a powerful tool to map ebullition seeps on lake ice, to identify their relative strength of ebullition, and to assess their spatiotemporal variability.

scholarly journals Anaerobic oxidation of methane in grassland soils used for cattle husbandry

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3891-3899 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bannert ◽  
C. Bogen ◽  
J. Esperschütz ◽  
A. Koubová ◽  
F. Buegger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methane Oxidation ◽  
Enrichment Culture ◽  
Anaerobic Oxidation Of Methane ◽  
Anaerobic Oxidation ◽  
Incubation Experiment ◽  
Nutrient Source ◽  
Oxidation Activity ◽  
Oxidation Of Methane ◽  
Cattle Husbandry

Abstract. While the importance of anaerobic methane oxidation has been reported for marine ecosystems, the role of this process in soils is still questionable. Grasslands used as pastures for cattle overwintering show an increase in anaerobic soil micro-sites caused by animal treading and excrement deposition. Therefore, anaerobic potential methane oxidation activity of severely impacted soil from a cattle winter pasture was investigated in an incubation experiment under anaerobic conditions using 13C-labelled methane. We were able to detect a high microbial activity utilizing CH4 as nutrient source shown by the respiration of 13CO2. Measurements of possible terminal electron acceptors for anaerobic oxidation of methane were carried out. Soil sulfate concentrations were too low to explain the oxidation of the amount of methane added, but enough nitrate and iron(III) were detected. However, only nitrate was consumed during the experiment. 13C-PLFA analyses clearly showed the utilization of CH4 as nutrient source mainly by organisms harbouring 16:1ω7 PLFAs. These lipids were also found as most 13C-enriched fatty acids by Raghoebarsing et al. (2006) after addition of 13CH4 to an enrichment culture coupling denitrification of nitrate to anaerobic oxidation of methane. This might be an indication for anaerobic oxidation of methane by relatives of "Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera" in the investigated grassland soil under the conditions of the incubation experiment.

scholarly journals Abundance and Activity of Methanotrophic Bacteria in Littoral and Profundal Sediments of Lake Constance (Germany)

2008 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rahalkar ◽  
J. Deutzmann ◽  
B. Schink ◽  
I. Bussmann
Keyword(s):  
Methane Oxidation ◽  
Lake Constance ◽  
Type I ◽  
Sediment Depth ◽  
Oxidation Activity ◽  
Oxidation Rates ◽  
Methane Oxidizing Bacteria ◽  
Littoral Sediment ◽  
Sediment Layers

ABSTRACT The abundances and activities of aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) were compared in depth profiles of littoral and profundal sediments of Lake Constance, Germany. Abundances were determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the pmoA gene and by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and data were compared to methane oxidation rates calculated from high-resolution concentration profiles. qPCR using type I MOB-specific pmoA primers indicated that type I MOB represented a major proportion in both sediments at all depths. FISH indicated that in both sediments, type I MOB outnumbered type II MOB at least fourfold. Results obtained with both techniques indicated that in the littoral sediment, the highest numbers of methanotrophs were found at a depth of 2 to 3 cm, corresponding to the zone of highest methane oxidation activity, although no oxygen could be detected in this zone. In the profundal sediment, highest methane oxidation activities were found at a depth of 1 to 2 cm, while MOB abundance decreased gradually with sediment depth. In both sediments, MOB were also present at high numbers in deeper sediment layers where no methane oxidation activity could be observed.

scholarly journals Methanotrophic activity and diversity in different <i>Sphagnum magellanicum</i> dominated habitats in the southernmost peat bogs of Patagonia

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Kip ◽  
C. Fritz ◽  
E. S. Langelaan ◽  
Y. Pan ◽  
L. Bodrossy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methane Oxidation ◽  
Northern Hemisphere ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Peat Bogs ◽  
Oxidation Activity ◽  
Moss Species ◽  
Sphagnum Mosses ◽  
Methane Concentrations ◽  
Sphagnum Magellanicum

Abstract. Sphagnum peatlands are important ecosystems in the methane cycle. Methanotrophs living inside the dead hyaline cells or on the Sphagnum mosses are able to act as a methane filter and thereby reduce methane emissions. We investigated in situ methane concentrations and the corresponding activity and diversity of methanotrophs in different Sphagnum dominated bog microhabitats. In contrast to the Northern Hemisphere peat ecosystems the temperate South American peat bogs are dominated by one moss species; Sphagnum magellanicum. This permitted a species-independent comparison of the different bog microhabitats. Potential methane oxidizing activity was found in all Sphagnum mosses sampled and a positive correlation was found between activity and in situ methane concentrations. Substantial methane oxidation activity (23 μmol CH4 gDW−1 day−1) was found in pool mosses and could be correlated with higher in situ methane concentrations (>35 μmol CH4 l−1 pore water). Little methanotrophic activity (<0.5 μmol CH4 gDW−1 day−1) was observed in living Sphagnum mosses from lawns and hummocks. Methane oxidation activity was relatively high (>4 μmol CH4 gDW−1 day−1) in Sphagnum litter at depths around the water levels and rich in methane. The total bacterial community was studied using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the methanotrophic communities were studied using a pmoA microarray and a complementary pmoA clone library. The methanotrophic diversity was similar in the different habitats of this study and comparable to the methanotrophic diversity found in peat mosses from the Northern Hemisphere. The pmoA microarray data indicated that both alpha- and gammaproteobacterial methanotrophs were present in all Sphagnum mosses, even in those mosses with a low initial methane oxidation activity. Prolonged incubation of Sphagnum mosses from lawn and hummock with methane revealed that the methanotrophic community present was viable and showed an increased activity within 15 days. The high abundance of methanotrophic Methylocystis species in the most active mosses suggests that these might be responsible for the bulk of methane oxidation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document