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Metal-driven anaerobic oxidation of methane and the Sturtian deglaciation

Author

Listed:
  • Jun Hu

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Sanzhong Li

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Shui-Jiong Wang

    (China University of Geosciences (Beijing)
    China University of Geosciences (Beijing))

  • Jörn Peckmann

    (Universität Hamburg)

  • Hongxiang Guan

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Shao-yong Jiang

    (China University of Geosciences)

  • Wei Chen

    (China University of Geosciences)

  • Huan Cui

    (Kansas State University)

  • Zheng Qin

    (China University of Geosciences (Beijing))

  • Peng Liu

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Yanhui Suo

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Zhaoxia Jiang

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Dongyong Li

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Nan Wang

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Xiaohui Li

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Yuan Zhong

    (Ocean University of China
    Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center)

  • Ruru Li

    (Ocean University of China)

  • Xi-Ming Yang

    (China University of Geosciences (Beijing))

  • Kurt O. Konhauser

    (University of Alberta)

Abstract

The Sturtian and Marinoan glaciations shaped Neoproterozoic palaeoenvironmental evolution. While methane emission likely intensified the Marinoan greenhouse effect, its role during the Sturtian glaciation—coinciding with widespread iron formations (IFs)—remains poorly understood. Here, we analysed bio-essential metals (Ni, Co, Zn), rare earth elements and yttrium (REY), Fe (δ56Fe) and Ni (δ60Ni) isotopes in hematite and magnetite, alongside bulk-rock and in-situ C isotopes of Mn-rich carbonates from five well-preserved Sturtian-aged IFs in South China. Our findings provide geochemical evidence for a methane-related biogeochemical pathway driving Fe-bearing mineral transformation via methanogenesis and metal-driven anaerobic methane oxidation (AOM), mediated by methanogens and anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME) in ferruginous settings. Additionally, the Sturtian deglaciation facilitated atmospheric-oceanic O2 exchange, increased nutrient influx from weathering, and methane release under slow AOM oxidation kinetics, potentially aiding ice sheet melting or prolonging glacial waning.

Suggested Citation

  • Jun Hu & Sanzhong Li & Shui-Jiong Wang & Jörn Peckmann & Hongxiang Guan & Shao-yong Jiang & Wei Chen & Huan Cui & Zheng Qin & Peng Liu & Yanhui Suo & Zhaoxia Jiang & Dongyong Li & Nan Wang & Xiaohui L, 2025. "Metal-driven anaerobic oxidation of methane and the Sturtian deglaciation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62622-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62622-z
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