Publication

Spatial Heterogeneity of Methane Ebullition in a Large Tropical Reservoir

Alfred Johny Wüest, Bernhard Wehrli
2011
Journal Articles

Abstract

Tropical reservoirs have been identified as important methane (CH4) sources to the atmosphere, primarily through turbine and downstream degassing. However, the importance of ebullition (gas bubbling) remains unclear. We hypothesized that ebullition is a disproportionately large CH4 source from reservoirs with dendritic littoral zones because of ebullition hot spots occurring where rivers supply allochthonous organic material. We explored this hypothesis in Lake Kariba (Zambia/Zimbabwe; surface area >5000 km(2)) by surveying ebullition in bays with and without river inputs using an echosounder and traditional surface chambers. The two techniques yielded similar results, and revealed substantially higher fluxes in river deltas (similar to 10(3) mg CH4 m(-2) d(-1)) compared to nonriver bays (

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/81709f27-e0ce-46ea-aedb-c5483cd07061

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Alfred Johny Wüest, Bernhard Wehrli
2011
Journal Articles

Abstract

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/81709f27-e0ce-46ea-aedb-c5483cd07061

About this result

Related concepts (21)

Methane emissions

Increasing methane emissions are a major contributor to the rising concentration of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere, and are responsible for up to one-third of near-term global heating. During 2019, about 60% (360 million tons) of methane released globally was from human activities, while natural sources contributed about 40% (230 million tons). Reducing methane emissions by capturing and utilizing the gas can produce simultaneous environmental and economic benefits.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions (abbreviated as GHG emissions) from human activities strengthen the greenhouse effect, contributing to climate change. Carbon dioxide (), from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, is one of the most important factors in causing climate change. The largest emitters are China followed by the US, although the United States has higher emissions per capita. The main producers fueling the emissions globally are large oil and gas companies.

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Greenhouse gas emissions from wetlands of concern consist primarily of methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Wetlands are the largest natural source of atmospheric methane in the world, and therefore remain a major area of concern with respect to climate change. They contribute approximately 167 Tg of methane to the atmosphere per year. Wetlands account for approximately 20 percent of atmospheric methane through emissions from soils and plants.

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