Petroleum exploration increases methane emissions from northern peatlands

Peatlands are globally significant sources of atmospheric methane (CH 4 ). In the northern hemisphere, extensive geologic exploration activities have occurred to map petroleum deposits. In peatlands, these activities result in soil compaction and wetter conditions, changes that are likely to enhance...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature communications 2019-06, Vol.10 (1), p.2804-8, Article 2804
Main Authors: Strack, Maria, Hayne, Shari, Lovitt, Julie, McDermid, Gregory J., Rahman, Mir Mustafizur, Saraswati, Saraswati, Xu, Bin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
704/172/4081
704/47/4113
Deposits
Emissions
Fluxes
Forestry
Geological mapping
Greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gases
Humanities and Social Sciences
Land use
Methane
multidisciplinary
Northern Hemisphere
Oil and gas exploration
Oil exploration
Peatlands
Petroleum
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Soil compaction
Soil conditions
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Summary:Peatlands are globally significant sources of atmospheric methane (CH 4 ). In the northern hemisphere, extensive geologic exploration activities have occurred to map petroleum deposits. In peatlands, these activities result in soil compaction and wetter conditions, changes that are likely to enhance CH 4 emissions. To date, this effect has not been quantified. Here we map petroleum exploration disturbances on peatlands in Alberta, Canada, where peatlands and oil deposits are widespread. We then estimate induced CH 4 emissions. By our calculations, at least 1900 km 2 of peatland have been affected, increasing CH 4 emissions by 4.4–5.1 kt CH 4  yr −1 above undisturbed conditions. Not currently estimated in Canada’s national reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, inclusion would increase current emissions from land use, land use change and forestry by 7–8%. However, uncertainty remains large. Research further investigating effects of petroleum exploration on peatland GHG fluxes will allow appropriate consideration of these emissions in future peatland management. Human disturbance of peatland environments due to geological exploration activities can significantly alter peatland greenhouse gas exchange. Here, the authors study peatland disturbance in Alberta, Canada, and estimate that induced methane emissions are approximately 4.4–5.1 kt higher per year than in undisturbed conditions.
ISSN:2041-1723
2041-1723
DOI:10.1038/s41467-019-10762-4