Holocene variations in peatland methane cycling associated with the Asian summer monsoon system

Yanhong Zheng (), Joy S. Singarayer, Peng Cheng, Xuefeng Yu, Zhao Liu, Paul J. Valdes and Richard D. Pancost
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Yanhong Zheng: Organic Geochemistry Unit, Cabot Institute and School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close
Joy S. Singarayer: University of Reading, Earley Gate, PO Box 243, Reading, RG6 6BB, UK
Peng Cheng: State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xuefeng Yu: State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Zhao Liu: State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Paul J. Valdes: Bristol Research Initiative for the Dynamic Global Environment, Cabot Institute and School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, University Road
Richard D. Pancost: Organic Geochemistry Unit, Cabot Institute and School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close

Nature Communications, 2014, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Atmospheric methane concentrations decreased during the early to middle Holocene; however, the governing mechanisms remain controversial. Although it has been suggested that the mid-Holocene minimum methane emissions are associated with hydrological change, direct evidence is lacking. Here we report a new independent approach, linking hydrological change in peat sediments from the Tibetan Plateau to changes in archaeal diether concentrations and diploptene δ13C values as tracers for methanogenesis and methanotrophy, respectively. A minimum in inferred methanogenesis occurred during the mid-Holocene, which, locally, corresponds with the driest conditions of the Holocene, reflecting a minimum in Asian monsoon precipitation. The close coupling between precipitation and methanogenesis is validated by climate simulations, which also suggest a regionally widespread impact. Importantly, the minimum in methanogenesis is associated with a maximum in methanotrophy. Therefore, methane emissions in the Tibetan Plateau region were apparently lower during the mid-Holocene and partially controlled by interactions of large-scale atmospheric circulation.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5631

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