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https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1440
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1440
23 May 2024
 | 23 May 2024

Observations of methane net sinks in the Arctic tundra

Antonio Donateo, Daniela Famulari, Donato Giovannelli, Arturo Mariani, Mauro Mazzola, Stefano Decesari, and Gianluca Pappaccogli

Abstract. This study focuses on direct measurements of CO2 and CH4 turbulent eddy covariance fluxes in tundra ecosystems in the Svalbard Islands over a two-year period. Our results reveal dynamic interactions between climatic conditions and ecosystem activities such as photosynthesis and microbial activity. During summer, pronounced carbon uptake fluxes indicate increased photosynthesis and microbial methane consumption, while during the freezing seasons very little exchange was recorded, signifying reduced activity. The observed net summertime methane uptake is correlated with the activation and aeration of soil microorganisms, and it declines in winter due to the presence of snow cover and because of the low soil temperatures, but then rebounds during the melting period. CH4 fluxes are not significantly correlated with temperature, but are instead associated with wind velocity, suggesting that electron acceptor limitation may be stimulating methanotrophic communities. High temperature anomalies increase CO2 emissions, which may have the effect of limiting summer productivity and carbon sequestration. Positive methane fluxes (emissions) were observed during warm anomalies in winter. These findings emphasise the necessity of comprehending the dynamics of greenhouse gases in tundra ecosystems in order to mitigate climate change. Further research is required to elucidate the sources and sinks of greenhouse gases in dry tundra ecosystems.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

23 Jun 2025
Observations of methane net sinks in the upland Arctic tundra
Antonio Donateo, Daniela Famulari, Donato Giovannelli, Arturo Mariani, Mauro Mazzola, Stefano Decesari, and Gianluca Pappaccogli
Biogeosciences, 22, 2889–2908, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2889-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2889-2025, 2025
Short summary
Antonio Donateo, Daniela Famulari, Donato Giovannelli, Arturo Mariani, Mauro Mazzola, Stefano Decesari, and Gianluca Pappaccogli

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1440', Anonymous Referee #1, 04 Oct 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1440', Anonymous Referee #2, 08 Oct 2024

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1440', Anonymous Referee #1, 04 Oct 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-1440', Anonymous Referee #2, 08 Oct 2024

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (18 Nov 2024) by Nicolas Brüggemann
AR by Antonio Donateo on behalf of the Authors (18 Nov 2024)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (06 Dec 2024) by Nicolas Brüggemann
RR by Jesper Christiansen (03 Mar 2025)
RR by Anonymous Referee #3 (14 Mar 2025)
ED: Publish as is (23 Mar 2025) by Nicolas Brüggemann
AR by Antonio Donateo on behalf of the Authors (26 Mar 2025)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

23 Jun 2025
Observations of methane net sinks in the upland Arctic tundra
Antonio Donateo, Daniela Famulari, Donato Giovannelli, Arturo Mariani, Mauro Mazzola, Stefano Decesari, and Gianluca Pappaccogli
Biogeosciences, 22, 2889–2908, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2889-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2889-2025, 2025
Short summary
Antonio Donateo, Daniela Famulari, Donato Giovannelli, Arturo Mariani, Mauro Mazzola, Stefano Decesari, and Gianluca Pappaccogli
Antonio Donateo, Daniela Famulari, Donato Giovannelli, Arturo Mariani, Mauro Mazzola, Stefano Decesari, and Gianluca Pappaccogli

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Short summary
This study focuses on direct measurements of CO2 and CH4 turbulent eddy covariance fluxes in tundra ecosystems in the Svalbard Islands over a two-year period. Our results reveal dynamic interactions between climatic conditions and ecosystem activities such as photosynthesis and microbial activity. The observed net summertime methane uptake is correlated with the activation and aeration of soil microorganisms. High temperature anomalies increase CO2 and CH4 emissions.
Share