Modeling the influence of methane emissions from arctic gas hydrates on regional variations in composition of the lower atmosphere

Abstract

Numerical simulation with the use of the global chemistry–climate model of the lower and middle atmosphere has shown that the contribution of methane emissions from Arctic gas hydrates to the global production is most likely underestimated. An increase in methane emission as a result of Arctic warming may lead to a decrease in hydroxyl content and the formation of positive reverse correlation with CH4 content in emission area. The zones of variation in ozone content are distinct from those of the increase in CH4 content; the increase in ozone content with an increase in CH4 content is nonlinear and is retarded at high values of CH4 fluxes. This may be related to the decrease in hydroxyl content at an increase in CH4 emissions and reverse correlations, which compensate the additional ozone production.