Abstract
We present the results of studies of the methane content in soils of the active layer and underlying permafrost, as well as data on the emission of methane into the atmosphere in the dominant landscapes of typical tundra of the western coast of the Yamal Peninsula. A detailed landscape map of the study area was compiled, the dominant types of landscapes were determined, and vegetation cover was described. We determined that a high methane content is characteristic of the wet landscapes: peat bogs within the floodplains, water tracks, and lake basins. Average values of the methane content in the active layer for such landscapes varied from 2.4 to 3.5 mL (CH4)/kg, with a maximum of 9.0 mL (CH4)/kg. The distribution of methane in studied sections is characterized by an increase in its concentration with depth. This confirms the diffuse mechanism of methane transport in the active layer and emission of methane into the atmosphere. The transition zone of the upper permafrost contains 2.5–5-times more methane than the active layer and may become a significant source of methane during the anticipated permafrost degradation. Significant fluxes of methane into the atmosphere of 2.6 mg (CH4) * m−2 * h−1 are characteristic of the flooded landscapes of peat bogs, water tracks, and lake basins, which occupy approximately 45% of the typical tundra area.
Highlights
The problem of climatic fluctuations and their consequences has become a priority during last decades
The goal of this study is to evaluate the methane content in the active layer and upper permafrost and to estimate the peak values of CH4 flux into the atmosphere in the dominant landscapes of typical tundra
Western Yamal is located within the subarctic zone of the moderately cold and humid Atlantic area of the Western Arctic climatic region [30]
Summary
The problem of climatic fluctuations and their consequences has become a priority during last decades. The Arctic is currently experiencing the largest increase in air temperatures (2 ◦ C or more over the last 50 years) [1]. The Arctic permafrost stores large resources of greenhouse gases that directly affect the global climate upon release [2,3]. An increase in air temperature leads to permafrost degradation and release of additional amounts of labile carbon in the form of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and methane (CH4 ) [4,5]. Methane is the most active greenhouse gas, and over 100 years it contributes 28 times more to the greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide [1]. Methane is formed in saturated active layer under anoxic conditions, which are typical of the Arctic tundra, in the presence of a sufficient
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