吉兰泰盐湖沉积物孢粉记录的季风边缘区全新世气候演化

全新世气候具有不稳定性,且存在着区域差异,在季风边缘区尤为显著.因此,本研究选取季风边缘区吉兰泰盐湖沉积物的孢粉记录并结合AMS14C测年结果,对该地区全新世的古植被演化及古气候变化历史进行了重建.结果表明,在全新世阶段,该地区植被类型未发生变化,以干旱的荒漠植被为主.早全新世(10.5 8.5 cal ka BP),以蒿属孢粉为主,伴随出现少量藜科、禾本科及麻黄属孢粉,蒿藜比(A/C比值)相对稳定(4.11左右),指示全新世早期气候逐步转湿的过程,在8.5 cal ka BP,蒿属孢粉数量下降且被藜科孢粉取代,指示一次明显气候干旱事件;中全新世(8.5 3.5 cal ka BP),蒿属孢粉含量增加及藜科孢粉含量降低,A/C比值在7.1 cal ka BP左右达到峰值,指示该地区中全新世气候最为湿润;晚全新世(3.5 cal ka BP至今),藜科孢粉含量增加且超过早全新世,A/C比值低至3.66,区域呈现明显的干旱化趋势.此外,结合吉兰泰盐湖沉积物矿物组成结果,发现中全新世湖泊沉积物中,钙芒硝大量出现,一定程度上指示降水量增多所带来的淡水注入,与孢粉指标指示该阶段湿润的结果一致.通过区域对比,发现吉兰泰地区在全新世时期的气候演化模式与东亚季风区具有较好的一致性,表明该地区受到东亚夏季风的影响较大,尤其是在中全新世,东亚夏季风增强,带来较多的降水,气候湿润.     

湖北江汉平原JZ-2010剖面沉积物粒度特征与环境演变

通过对江汉平原JZ-2010湖相沉积剖面AMS14C年代的精确测定与校正,以及代用指标粒度、磁化率的分析和研究,重建了研究区12.76 cal ka BP以来的环境演变过程:1)12.76-6.70 cal ka BP,区域环境处于偏干的晚冰期向湿润的早全新世发展阶段.2)6.70-4.47 cal ka BP,区域环境湿润,为湿度配置最佳的全新世适宜期,这是大溪文化向屈家岭文化转变时期自然背景.3)4.47-3.67 cal ka BP,区域气候环境偏干,其中经历了明显的4.2 cal ka BP干旱事件.4)3.67-1.22 cal ka BP时期,环境向湿润发展;在2.5 cal ka BP左右水动力条件明显变强,此时正对应于古云梦泽扩张时期.5)1.22 cal ka BP后,研究区处于湖泊面积减小的干旱时期;人类活动带来的影响达到高峰,围湖造田等农业活动也是江汉平原湖群趋于衰退的重要原因之一.     

北方环境敏感带岱海湖泊沉积所记录的全新世中期环境特征

对中国北方环境敏感带封闭湖泊岱海获得的高质量沉积物岩芯, 进行了年代学、以及有机质含量(TOC, TN)、碳酸盐含量(CaCO3)和孢粉等代用气候环境指标的测试与分析. 结果表明: 全新世以来岱海沉积物中TOC, TN等有机质含量的变化与孢粉百分含量、孢粉通量的变化相当吻合, 并在约6.7~3.5 ka BP(日历年约7.6~3.6 ka BP)期间达到全新世以来的高值; 6.7 ka BP以来, 沉积物中碳酸盐含量与有机质含量的变化也具有很好的相关性, 也在6.7~3.5 ka BP期间达到峰值; 而在早全新世及中全新世早期9.0~6.7 ka BP(日历年龄约10~7.6 ka BP)期间, 相对较低的有机质含量、孢粉通量却对应较高的碳酸盐含量. 上述关系揭示: 在6.7~3.5 ka BP期间, 岱海流域生产力、有效降水条件均得到很大增强, 进而有可能在水动力条件增强的情况下, 携带较多的流域有机质、花粉以及碳酸盐类物质入湖, 并造成有机质和碳酸盐的同时富集. 而9.0~6.7 ka BP期间, 较低的有机质含量、孢粉通量以及高碳酸盐含量恰恰说明在流域有效降水减少、植被相对匮乏的背景下, 湖泊自身可能的高蒸发率. 二者具有不同的气候环境背景. 基于上述认识, 认为中全新世6.7~3.5 ka BP期间极可能是岱海流域降水充沛、植被丰盛的气候适宜期, 而不是通常认为的中全新世早期或早全新世.     

湖泊沉积物磁学特征指示的埃及Faiyum盆地全新世以来的环境演变

利用埃及北部Faiyum盆地获得的高取芯率沉积物岩芯,进行沉积物多种磁性参数的测量,结合有机碳、介形虫、粒度等分析,在AMS14C加速器测年的基础上,建立全新世以来湖泊沉积物磁性特征变化的时间序列.结果表明,粒度效应以及沉积后的各种次生作用对沉积物的磁性特征没有明显的影响,磁性变化主要反映了沉积物不同来源组成的相对变化.全新世前沉积物磁性较弱,主要含不完全反铁磁性矿物,与周边沙漠的物质相似,结合其粒度特征,沉积物来源应以近源物质为主.全新世早中期(约10 5.4 ka BP)沉积物磁性变化相对稳定,有机质含量也较高,指示了来自尼罗河较为稳定的物质供应;而大约5.4 ka BP尤其最近约4.2 ka BP以来,磁性的明显变化反映了流域降水减少情况下,来自青尼河物质贡献的相对增加;最近约2.0 ka BP以来沉积物的磁性变化,则更多地与盆地人类活动的强化有关.总体而言,Faiyum盆地全新世以来的环境演变主要受控于全新世以来尼罗河与盆地的水力学联系.即:全新世前盆地未与尼罗河连通时,沉积物主要来源于周边沙漠的风成物质;而受全新世早-中期来流域季风降水增加的影响,泛滥的尼罗河为盆地提供了相对稳定的物质供应,湖泊也处于高湖面;全新世晚期以来,随着流域干旱化的加剧,尼罗河与盆地的连通性开始减弱,来自高磁性的青尼罗河物质贡献开始相对增加.最近约2.0 ka BP以来,虽然仍有人工运河连接尼罗河与盆地,但沉积物磁性的显著变化更多地反映了盆地人类活动的不断强化.     

全新世以来云南洱海流域气候变化与人类活动的湖泊沉积记录

根据云南洱海湖泊沉积岩芯多环境指标的高分辨分析, 在精确定年基础上, 建立了全新世以来洱海流域气候与环境变化的序列. 研究表明, 云南洱海地区约12950~8399 cal. a BP气候由冷湿转为暖湿, 转换时间发生在约10329 cal. a BP. 洱海湖面从约10329 cal. a BP开始扩张主要是由于全新世早期西南季风增强、降雨增多所致. 全新世中期流域气候暖湿, 最温暖期出现在约8399~6371 cal. a BP, 但由于全新世中期湖泊所在盆地内有效湿度降低, 湖面出现下降趋势. 洱海流域人类活动始于约6371 cal. a BP, 初始的人类活动方式主要以砍伐森林为主, 至大约2139 cal. a BP, 由于外来移民大量迁入该地区, 耕作农业得到广泛发展, 随后采矿业(主要为煤矿)也逐步开始.     

晚冰期以来青海湖沉积物多指标高分辨率的古气候演化

通过青海湖沉积物孢粉、碳酸盐、有机C, N和有机δ¹³C等多项指标的综合分析, 建立了青海湖晚冰期以来的高分辨率古气候演化序列. 结果表明, 18.2 cal. ka BP左右为末次冰期盛冰阶进入晚冰期的界限, 自15.4 cal. ka BP起气候开始向暖湿化发展, 7.4 cal. ka BP时达到了暖湿组合的鼎盛期, 4.5 cal. ka BP以后气候又逐步转入冷干. 晚冰期向全新世转换期间气候的冷暖干湿波动十分频繁, 其特征与北大西洋深海沉积、格陵兰冰芯、欧洲地区湖泊沉积以及中国黄土、古里雅冰芯等记录的古气候具有一定的可对比性. 青海湖地区晚冰期以来的古气候演化特征揭示了万年尺度上东亚季风的源驱动力同太阳辐射有关.     

中国东部山地泥炭高分辨率腐殖化度记录的晚冰期以来气候变化

对中国东部中纬度季风区内的两处山地泥炭——神农架大九湖泥炭和天目山千亩田泥炭腐殖化度进行了研究,并对两剖面的孢粉记录、有机质含量、TOC和Rb／Sr对比分析,结果表明在东亚季风区山间盆地,气候越干冷时泥炭的分解就越强烈,以吸光度表征的腐殖化度就越高;相反,当气候较温暖潮湿时泥炭主要处于还原状态,分解较慢,腐殖化度较低．大九湖剖面的腐殖化度记录了晚冰期（约16．0～11．4cal ka BP）中的新仙女木（YD）（约11．4～12．6cal ka BP）冷干事件、博令．阿勒罗德暖湿期（B．A暖期,约12．6～15．2cal ka BP）、最老仙女木冷干事件（OD,约15．2～16．0cal ka BP）、早全新世的湿润期（约11．4—9．4cal ka BP）、8．2cal ka BP前后的冷干事件和约7．0～4．2cal ka BP之间的全新世最佳适宜期．神农架大九湖和天目山千亩田近5000a以来的泥炭腐殖化度记录有着很好的一致性,表明相近纬度不同经度的山地泥炭对东亚季风降水变化的响应是同步的．近5000a来的气候变化在两个山地泥剖面中几乎同步记录有3大阶段：4．9～3．5cal ka BP,季风降水整体处于高值,但波动剧烈,其中,在约4．2cal ka BP前后,季风降水急剧下降,在3．7cal ka BP前后达到最干旱的峰值后又快速回升：3．5～0．9cal ka BP,季风降水强度整体较弱,但也存在明显的次级干湿波动;0．9cal ka BP以来,吸光度值逐渐降低,表明季风降水增多．与中国东部季风区其他高分辨率沉积记录对比,文中亚高山泥炭记录的约1．6万年以来的气候变化响应了北半球夏季太阳辐射的统一驱动．     

13.8ka以来内蒙古吉兰泰盐湖的演化过程

通过系统分析吉兰泰盐湖JLT-2010孔蒸发盐类矿物、碳酸盐矿物、碎屑岩矿物等,结合AMS14C测年获得的年代序列,研究该湖13.8 ka以来的演化过程.结果表明:吉兰泰盐湖13.8-11.7 cal ka BP期间水体较淡;11.7-10.2 cal ka BP期间湖泊开始萎缩、咸化,进入咸水湖阶段;10.2-5.5 cal ka BP期间湖泊进入硫酸盐沉积阶段,其中9.0-8.2 cal ka BP经历了一个明显的淡化过程;5.5 cal ka BP以来,湖泊成盐作用进一步加强,由前期的硫酸盐沉积转变为氯化物沉积,其中3.7-2.0 cal ka BP达到全面氯化物沉积阶段,2.0-1.7 cal ka BP又经历了一个短暂而明显的淡化过程;目前,该盐湖已进入干盐湖发展阶段.总体而言,吉兰泰盐湖蒸发盐类矿物主要是在全新世增温的背景条件下逐步萎缩形成的,由于区域性干旱气候的持续影响,吉兰泰盐湖逐步萎缩、咸化,进而析盐.     

河西走廊花海古湖泊全新世白云石的发现及其环境意义

通过对河西走廊花海古湖泊沉积物的X衍射分析发现,全新世期间有明显的白云石沉积.岩性、沉积过程、石膏以及Fe3+含量的变化表明,花海湖全新世白云石沉积环境以还原环境为主,即还原环境利于白云石的形成,为白云石的成因研究提供了新的证据.白云石作为碳酸盐矿物,可以反映湖水盐度,但并非直接指示了湖水的咸化.随着湖水盐度的进一步增加,在硫酸盐型湖泊中,白云石含量随盐度的增加而相应减少,表明利用白云石分析湖水盐度时需要结合其他矿物进行分析.结合石膏含量的变化,花海湖全新世时期白云石含量的变化可以揭示该区域湖水盐度的变化.在10.478.87 cal ka B.P.早全新世时期,湖水的盐度较高,气候由干向湿转变;8.87 cal ka B.P.时期,有大量石膏沉积,显示了湖水盐度的进一步升高,气候干旱;随后湖水相对淡化,气候湿润;5.50 cal ka B.P.至今,沉积出现间断,气候逐渐干旱.     

巴丹吉林沙漠全新世的高湖面与泛湖期

巴丹吉林沙漠腹地及东南部湖泊众多,除分布110个常年积水湖泊外,还存在若干季节性湖泊和干涸湖盆.通过对巴丹吉林沙漠湖泊群的实地考察、湖泊遗迹测量及14C和OSL定年,获得了全新世泛湖期存在的地貌学、沉积学和生物遗迹证据,揭示了巴丹吉林沙漠全新世早、中期湖盆面积扩大、区域气候相对湿润的特点.测年结果表明,巴丹吉林沙漠泛湖期开始于10cal ka BP,此前为泥炭发育期或湖沼期(11~10cal ka BP),大致在8.6~6.6cal ka BP,湖泊群达到全新世最大高湖面,并于晚全新世(约3.5cal ka至今)普遍出现退缩乃至干涸.根据植物钙质根管的形成时代及其所揭示的降水量阈值研究,巴丹吉林沙漠东南部在7.7~5.3cal ka BP期间古降水量可能达到200mm a~(-1).水量平衡计算表明,百年至千年尺度相对暖湿的区域气候条件,特别是南部和东南部深层地下水来水量增多,是巴丹吉林沙漠全新世湖泊群维持和史前文化发展的关键因素.     

On the synchronism in the events within the core and on the surface of the earth: the changes in the organic world and in the polarity of the geomagnetic field in the phanerozoic

The data on geomagnetic reversals are compared with the changes in the organic world and with the lower-mantle plumes. The times of the formation of plumes and the times of their appearance on the Earth’s surface relate to the intervals characterized by the different frequencies of geomagnetic reversals, i.e., there is no interrelation between the formation of plumes and the frequency of the changes in the geomagnetic field polarity. At the same time, a certain synchronism is observed between the frequency of the geomagnetic reversals and the boundaries of the biostratigraphic ages, i.e., the changes in the organic world in the long-period range. A hypothesis is proposed, which explains the change in the sign of the geomagnetic field by the combined effect of the irregular rotation of the internal core relative to the mantle and the changes in the slope angle of the axis of the Earth’s rotation, which, in turn, results in synchronous events on the Earth’s surface: the rates of changes in the organic world.     

Anomalies in the secular variations in the main geomagnetic field in the context of the hierarchic dipole model

The developed dynamic model of the main geomagnetic field (MGF) includes the sources of three levels, which have existed and continuously changed during the 100-year period. The spatial-temporal dynamics of the secular variations in MGF has been considered based on this model. It has been indicated that, at different times, the formation of anomalies (located in similar regions) depended on the total dynamics of different combinations of sources, including a change in the parameters of the dipoles of the secondorder smallness. Anomalies generated by the dynamics of the dipoles of the third-order smallness do not evidently manifest themselves in the total secular variations but are responsible for the specific shapes of isodynamic lines. Based on the stability and continuity of the constructed model, the conclusion is made that long-living turbulent flows of different scales can exist in the liquid core.     

Changes in sediment transport in the Kuye River in the Loess Plateau in China

In this paper, the changes in sediment transport over 51 years from 1955 to 2006 in the Kuye River in the Loess Plateau in China are assessed. Key factors affecting sediment yield and sediment transport, such as precipitation depth, discharge, and human activities are studied. To investigate the changes in sediment yield in this watershed, a trend analysis on sediment concentration, precipitation depth, and discharge is conducted. Precipitation depths at 2 Climate Stations （CSs）, as well as discharge and sediment transport at 3 Gauging Stations （GSs） are used to assess the features of sediment transport in the Kuye River. The rtmoff modulus （defined as the annual average discharge per unit area, L/（s·km^2）） and the sediment transport modulus （defined as the annual suspended sediment transport per unit area, t/（yr km^2）） are introduced in this study to assess the changes in runoff and sediment yield for this watershed. The results show that the highest average monthly discharge during the study period in the Kuye River is 66.23 m^3/s in August with an average monthly sediment concentration of 88.9 kg/m^3. However, the highest average monthly sediment concentration during the study period in the Kuye River is 125.34 kg/m^3 and occurs in July, which has an average discharge of 42.6 m^3/s that is much less than the average monthly discharge in August. It is found that both the runoff modulus and sediment transport modulus at Wenjiachuan GS on the Kuye River has a clear downward trend. During the summer season from July to August, the sediment transport modulus at Wenjiachuan GS is much higher than those at Toudaoguai and Longmen GSs on the Yellow River. The easily erodible loess in the Kuye River watershed and the sparse vegetation are responsible for the extremely high sediment yield from the Kuye River watershed. The analyses of the grain size distribution of suspended load in the Kuye River are presented. The average monthly median grain size of suspended load in the Kuye River is largest in February and then decreases until June. In July, the average monthly median grain size of suspended load approaches another peak and decreases until September. Then, the median grain size of suspended load starts to increase until February of the following year. However, the average monthly median grain size of suspended load in the Yellow River at Toudaoguai and Longmen GSs is the smallest between early summer and late fall The median grain size in the Yellow River starts to increase in November and approaches the largest size in January.     

Site response in the Qionghai Basin in the Wenchuan earthquake

Amplification effects of soil site response can significantly impact ground motions, and must be considered in the seismic fortification of buildings/structures to prevent or mitigate this potential seismic hazard. Utilizing acceleration time histories from the main shock of the Wenchuan earthquake recorded at four stations (i.e., one on bedrock and three on soil) in the Qionghai Basin, the site responses from three soil sites are studied by using the traditional spectral ratio method. The bedrock site is selected as a reference site. This study found that peak ground accelerations (PGAs) on the soil sites are much larger than on bedrock, with EW, NS and UD components of 3.96–6.58, 6.27–10.98, and 3.17–6.66 times those of the bedrock site, respectively. The amplification effects of the soil sites on ground motions in the frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz are significant, depending on the thickness of the soil layer and the frequency content of the site. A significant amplification occurs with high frequency components of ground motion at shallow soil sites, and low and high frequency components of ground motion at intermediate soil sites.     

浙江省北部及邻区中强地震前地倾斜异常特征及其预测意义

解释并讨论了湖州和宁波台１９９３年以来的地倾斜资料,总结了震前有异常显示的６次地震。发现：①异常在现场记录资料中均有显示,异常形态的识别对预报地震有重要的意义;②能观测到异常全过程的倾斜仪与震中的距离基本符合式ｌｇＤｊ＝０．３０３（ＭＳ＋１．６）给出的监测能力半径,大于这个半径的台有时也能观测到异常,但多为短临异常。如果震前记录到异常的全过程,则利用单台资料可能对地震三要素进行预测。     

Trends in the characteristics of the annual and semiannual variations observed in the radio wave absorption in the lower ionosphere

The continuous increase in concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is expected to cool higher levels of the atmosphere. There is some direct and indirect experimental evidence of long-term trends in temperature and other parameters in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). Here we look for long-term trends in the annual and semiannual variations of the radio wave absorption in the lower ionosphere, which corresponds to the MLT region heights. Data from central and southeastern Europe are used. A consistent tendency to a positive trend in the amplitude of the semiannual wave appears to be observed. The reality of a similar tendency in the amplitude of the annual wave is questionable in the sense that the trend in the amplitude of the annual wave is probably induced by the trend in the yearly average values of absorption. The phases of both the annual and semiannual waves display a forward tendency, i.e. shift to an earlier time in the year. A tentative interpretation of these results in terms of changes of the seasonal variation of temperature and wind at MLT heights does not contradict the trends observed in those parameters.     

The changes in the electric conductivity of the lithosphere in the source region of the strongest Olyutora earthquake in the Koryak highlands

The results of the magnetotelluric (MT) soundings before and after an earthquake are analyzed. The interpretation is based on the longitudinal and transverse MT curves (along and across the strike of the main tectonic elements, respectively). The MT curves are distorted by the ρ- and coast effect. The distortions due to the coast effect are estimated by the testing three-dimensional (3D) model. It is established that the coast effect distortion at the periods up to 1000 s is small and can be disregarded. The divergence of the longitudinal and transverse MT curves, which points to the presence of the deep faults, is thoroughly studied. The inversion of the MTsounding curves is carried out by the REBOCC program of the numerical two-dimensional modeling. This program implements the procedures of elimination of the ρ-effect and the joint inversion of the longitudinal and transverse MT sounding curves. The obtained geoelectrical cross sections provide an insight into the structure of electrical conductivity of the lithosphere before and after the earthquake. The more intense variations in the electric conductivity are observed in the zone of the deep faults. These variations are related to the changes in the porosity and saturation of the rocks by the highly mineralized fluids.     

Hydrological changes in the Ganges system in Bangladesh in the post-Farakka period

Abstract

The basin area of the Ganges River in Bangladesh is extremely dependent on a regular water supply from upstream to meet requirements for agriculture, fisheries, navigation, salinity control, and domestic and industrial sectors. In 1975, India commissioned a barrage on the Ganges River at Farakka to divert a significant portion of the dry season flow in order to make the Calcutta Port navigable. Statistical analyses of discharge and water level data have been carried out to determine if significant changes have occurred in the hydrology of the Ganges system in Bangladesh in the post-Farakka period. Siltation of the Gorai River (an offtake of the Ganges River) has also been examined using the stage-discharge relationship and regression analysis. The analyses show that the diversion has caused considerable hydrological changes in the Ganges system in Bangladesh. The water supply in the dry season has been reduced substantially, while siltation of the Gorai River has increased significantly.     

The electric field produced in the mantle by the dynamo in the core

A rigorous singular perturbation theory is developed to estimate the electric field E produced in the mantle M by the core dynamo when the electrical conductivity σ in M depends only on radius r, and when |r?_rln σ| ? 1 in most of M. It is assumed that σ has only one local minimum in M, either (a) at the Earth's surface ?V, or (b) at a radius b inside the mantle, or (c) at the core-mantle boundary ?K. In all three cases, the region where σ is no more than e times its minimum value constitutes a thin critical layer; in case (a), the radial electric field E_r ≈ 0 there, while in cases (b) and (c), E_r is very large there. Outside the critical layer, E_r ≈ 0 in all three cases. In no case is the tangential electric field E_S small, nearly toroidal, or nearly calculable from the magnetic vector potential A as ??_tA_S. The defects in Muth's (1979) argument which led him to contrary conclusions are identified. Benton (1979) cited Muth's work to argue that the core-fluid velocity u just below ?K can be estimated from measurements on ?V of the magnetic field B and its time derivative $\text{?}{}_{\mathrm{t}}\text{B}$. A simple model for westward drift is discussed which shows that Benton's conclusion is also wrong.In case (a), it is shown that knowledge of σ in M is unnecessary for estimating E_S on ?K with a relative error |r?_r 1nσ|^?1from measurements of E_S on ?V and knowledge of ?_tB in M (calculable from ?_tB on ?V if σ is small). Then, in case (a), u just below ?K can be estimated as $\text{?}\text{r}\text{×}\text{E}{}_{\mathrm{S}}\text{/B}{}_{\mathrm{r}}$. The method is impractical unless the contribution to E_S on ?V from ocean currents can be removed.The perturbation theory appropriate when σ in M is small is considered briefly; smallness of σ and of |r?_r ln σ|^?1 a independent questions. It is found that as σ → 0, B approaches the vacuum field in M but E does not; the explanation lies in the hydromagnetic approximation, which is certainly valid in M but fails as σ → 0. It is also found that the singular perturbation theory for |r?_r ln σ|^?1 is a useful tool in the perturbation calculations for σ when both σ and |r?_r ln σ|^?1 are small.     

Methanogenesis in the sediment of the acidic Lake Caviahue in Argentina

The biogeochemistry of methane in the sediments of Lake Caviahue was examined by geochemical analysis, microbial activity assays and isotopic analysis. The pH in the water column was 2.6 and increased up to a pH of 6 in the deeper sediment pore waters. The carbon isotope composition of CH₄ was between − 65 and − 70‰ which is indicative for the biological origin of the methane. The enrichment factor ε increased from − 46‰ in the upper sediment column to more than − 80 in the deeper sediment section suggesting a transition from acetoclastic methanogenesis to CO₂ reduction with depth. In the most acidic surface layer of the sediment (pH < 4) methanogenesis is inhibited as suggested by a linear CH₄ concentration profile, activity assays and MPN analysis. The CH₄ activity assays and the CH₄ profile indicate that methanogenesis in the sediment of Lake Caviahue was active below 40 cm depth. At that depth the pH was above 4 and sulfate reduction was sulfate limited. Methane was diffusing with a flux of 0.9 mmol m^− 2 d^− 1 to the sediment surface where it was probably oxidized. Methanogenesis contributed little to the sediments carbon budget and had no significant impact on lake water quality. The high biomass content of the sediment, which was probably caused by the last eruption of Copahue Volcano, supported high rates of sulfate reduction which probably raised the pH and created favorable conditions for methanogens in deeper sediment layers.