Arndt Schimmelmann
Indiana University, USA
Title: Vietnam’s tropical karst is a sink for atmospheric methane greenhouse gas
Biography
Biography: Arndt Schimmelmann
Abstract
The atmospheric concentration of the potent greenhouse gas methane (CH4) is globally rising mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Forecasting of global climate change by models requires knowledge of sources and sinks of greenhouse gas species. A mostly overlooked sink of CH4 is the microbial oxidation in subterranean environmentsfollowing air exchange with the atmosphere. Northern Vietnam’s vast carbonate province with deeply incised tower karst valleys offers exposure of abundant air-filled voids (i.e. caves and other porosity). Air exchangeis enhanced by steep topography (hence large surface area of carbonate exposure) and limited soil cover. Our international team used portable methane detectors (SARAD® RTM 2200, SARAD® GmbH, Germany, with Axetris methane module; Gasmet DX-4030 FTIR, Gasmet Technologies Oy, Finland) and mesocosm experiments in caves to confirm strong methanotrophic depletion of CH4over 12 hours in contact with moist cave rocks. The warm and moist climate should maintain strong methanotrophic activity throughout the year. The methanotrophic capacity of a cave depends on its air exchange rate and the abundance of suitable microbial habitats. The exchange of cave air with outside air is enhanced by thermal gradients and outside wind. ‘Warm season’ measurements along transects in numerous caves in May 2012 produced distinct CH4 concentration profiles. Complementary ‘cold season’ measurements in November/December 2015 will complete the basis to estimate the year-round methanotrophic activities in surveyed caves, and by extrapolation will arrive at a regional estimate of the rate of methanotrophy in northern Vietnamese karst.