Chinese Journal of Polar Research

ADVANCES IN POLAR SCIENCE ›› 2009, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (1-English): 22-31.

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Temporal and spatial variations of a tmospheric methane concentration and δ13C-CH4 near the surface on the Millor Peninsula, East Antarctica

 Liu Yashu1, Zhu Renbin1, Li Xianglan2, Xu Hua2 and Sun Liguang1   

  1. 1 Institute of Polar Environment, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China;
    2 State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Nanjing 210091, China
  • Online:1959-03-30 Published:1959-03-30
  • Contact: Zhu Renbin

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Abstract:

During the 22nd Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE-22, 2005 /06) , the atmospheric gas samples near the surface were taken on the Millor Peninsula and adjacent areas, east Antarctica, using Tedlar gas bags. The methane (CH4) concentration and δ13C-CH4 in those samples were analyzed in the laboratory. The average value of atmospheric CH4 concentration on this peninsula was (1.87±0.12) ×10-6, slightly higher than the global average CH4 concentration. The summer-time variation of CH4 concentrations showed a large fluctuation, corresponding to the variation of air temperatures. The average δ13C-CH4 was (-38.26±0.52)‰. CH4 concentrations and δ13C-CH4 at different sites varied from 1.74×10-6 to 2.56×10-6 and from -39.31‰ to -31.25‰, respectively. The factors affecting CH4 concentrations and δ13C-CH4  values have also been discussed in this study.

Key words: Antarctica, Millor Peninsula, atmosphere, methane, carbon isotope