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Emission of methane and other trace gases from the Amazon VarzeaResearchers measured the distributions and fluxes of methane and other trace gases from the various Amazon floodplain environments. These were determined during both a large scale, quasi-synoptic survey along a 2000 km reach of the Amazon river and an intensive local study (by J. Melack, R. Harriss et al.) covering a six-week period. The environments studied included the major rivers, connecting channels (paranas), floating macrophyte beds, flooded forests, open lakes and recently wetted soils. The results are summarized. Measured rates of methane emission averaged about 300 mg m-2 d-1, but with considerable variance, and were comparable to or higher than previously reported emissions from similar temperature zone environments. In general, areas covered by floating macrophytes showed the highest emissions. Individual hotspots had among the highest rates ever observed, over 10 g m-2 d-1. The high methane emissions appear to result because about 50% of the organic matter fixed on the floodplain (either terrestrial or aquatic) that is oxidized in the water is decomposed anaerobically via methanogensis. Measured fluxes of methane to the atmosphere appear to be significantly correlated with surface water dissolved methane concentrations.
Document ID
19870009493
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Richey, Jeffrey E. (Washington Univ. Seattle, WA, United States)
Devol, Allan H. (Washington Univ. Seattle, WA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1986
Subject Category
Environment Pollution
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-177042
NAS 1.26:177042
Accession Number
87N18926
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-711
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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