Climate

The ice age methane budget

  1. Paul J. Valdes1,
  2. David J. Beerling2,
  3. Colin E. Johnson3

Article first published online: 27 JAN 2005

DOI: 10.1029/2004GL021004

Issue

Geophysical Research Letters

Geophysical Research Letters

Additional Information

How to Cite

Valdes, P. J., D. J. Beerling, and C. E. Johnson (2005), The ice age methane budget, Geophys. Res. Lett., 32, L02704, doi:10.1029/2004GL021004.

Author Information

  1. 1

    School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK

  2. 2

    Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK

  3. 3

    Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research, Meteorological Office, Exeter, UK

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 27 JAN 2005
  2. Article first published online: 27 JAN 2005
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 16 DEC 2004
  4. Manuscript Revised: 2 NOV 2004
  5. Manuscript Received: 14 JUL 2004

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[1] Accounting for the natural 40% reduction in methane during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) represents one of the most challenging problems posed by polar ice core studies. Inverse modelling, constrained by observations, suggest it is driven by a decline in wetland sources, but this is not supported by forward modelling. Using a comprehensive Earth system model, we show that closure of the methane budget requires reduced emissions and an amplified sink caused by reduction in emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from LGM forests. Our study emphasizes a key role for the terrestrial biosphere in the methane budget during the Quaternary.

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