Ice Record of δ13C for Atmospheric CH4 Across the Younger Dryas-Preboreal Transition
Abstract
We report atmospheric methane carbon isotope ratios (δ13CH4) from the Western Greenland ice margin spanning the Younger Dryas-to-Preboreal (YD-PB) transition. Over the recorded ~800 years, δ13CH4 was around -46 per mil (‰) that is, ~1‰ higher than in the modern atmosphere and ~5.5‰ 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 δ13CH4 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:
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Science
- Pub Date:
- August 2006
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.1126562
- Bibcode:
- 2006Sci...313.1109S
- Keywords:
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- ATMOS