Numerical simulation of modern methane emissions and their influence on climate variability and gas composition of the Arctic atmosphere

Abstract

The impact of Arctic methane hydrate emissions on the gas composition and climate is studied by using a chemistry-climate model. Model runs are carried out using two methane emission scenarios (with Arctic methane emissions increased by 5 and 10 times, respectively, relative to the reference level of emissions of 10 Tg/year). The methane hydrate emissions have a strong impact on the concentrations of methane and other gases. Temperature distributions in the polar and nonpolar regions in the troposphere and stratosphere are obtained. The influence on the climate variability and gas composition of the atmosphere is estimated.