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

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  • Yanhong Zheng

    (Organic Geochemistry Unit, Cabot Institute and School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close
    State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Northwest University)

  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Yanhong Zheng & Joy S. Singarayer & Peng Cheng & Xuefeng Yu & Zhao Liu & Paul J. Valdes & Richard D. Pancost, 2014. "Holocene variations in peatland methane cycling associated with the Asian summer monsoon system," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms5631
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5631
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