Greenhouse gases and greenhouse effect

Conventional theory of global warming states that heating of atmosphere occurs as a result of accumulation of CO₂ and CH₄ in atmosphere. The writers show that rising concentration of CO₂ should result in the cooling of climate. The methane accumulation has no essential effect on the Earth’s climate. Even significant releases of the anthropogenic carbon dioxide into the atmosphere do not change average parameters of the Earth’s heat regime and the atmospheric greenhouse effect. Moreover, CO₂ concentration increase in the atmosphere results in rising agricultural productivity and improves the conditions for reforestation. Thus, accumulation of small additional amounts of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere as a result of anthropogenic activities has practically no effect on the Earth’s climate.     

Spatial variation in shallow sediment methane sources and cycling on the Alaskan Beaufort Sea Shelf/Slope

The MITAS (Methane in the Arctic Shelf/Slope) expedition was conducted during September, 2009 onboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Polar Sea (WAGB-11), on the Alaskan Shelf/Slope of the Beaufort Sea. Expedition goals were to investigate spatial variations in methane source(s), vertical methane flux in shallow sediments (<10 mbsf), and methane contributions to shallow sediment carbon cycling. Three nearshore to offshore transects were conducted across the slope at locations approximately 200 km apart in water column depths from 20 to 2100 m. Shallow sediments were collected by piston cores and vibracores and samples were analyzed for sediment headspace methane (CH₄), porewater sulfate (SO₄²⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations, and CH₄ and DIC stable carbon isotope ratios (δ¹³C). Downward SO₄²⁻ diffusion rates estimated from sediment porewater SO₄²⁻ profiles were between −15.4 and −154.8 mmol m⁻² a⁻¹ and imply a large spatial variation in vertical CH₄ flux between transects in the study region. Lowest inferred CH₄ fluxes were estimated along the easternmost transect. Higher inferred CH₄ flux rates were observed in the western transects. Sediment headspace ${\mathrm{\delta }}^{13}{\text{C}}_{{\text{CH}}_4}$ values ranged from −138 to −48‰, suggesting strong differences in shallow sediment CH₄ cycling within and among sample locations. Measured porewater DIC concentrations ranged from 2.53 mM to 79.39 mM with δ¹³C_DIC values ranging from −36.4‰ to 5.1‰. Higher down-core DIC concentrations were observed to occur with lower δ¹³C where an increase in ${\mathrm{\delta }}^{13}{\text{C}}_{{\text{CH}}_4}$ was measured, indicating locations with active anaerobic oxidation of methane. Shallow core CH₄ production was inferred at the two western most transects (i.e. Thetis Island and Halkett) through observations of low ${\mathrm{\delta }}^{13}{\text{C}}_{{\text{CH}}_4}$ coupled with elevated DIC concentrations. At the easternmost Hammerhead transect and offshore locations, ${\mathrm{\delta }}^{13}{\text{C}}_{{\text{CH}}_4}$ and DIC concentrations were not coupled suggesting less rapid methane cycling. Results from the MITAS expedition represent one of the most comprehensive studies of methane source(s) and vertical methane flux in shallow sediments of the U.S. Alaskan Beaufort Shelf to date and show geospatially variable sediment methane flux that is highly influenced by the local geophysical environment.     

Changes in ecosystem carbon stocks following grassland afforestation of semiarid sandy soil in the southeastern Keerqin Sandy Lands, China

The ecological consequences of grassland afforestation in arid/semiarid sandy regions are not well known with respect to tree species and stand age. The present study quantifies the changes in above- and belowground carbon (C) stocks following afforestation in the southeastern Keerqin Sandy Lands with species of Mongolian pine and poplar. We studied 15-, 24-, and 30-year-old Mongolian pine plantations, 7-, 11-, and 15-year-old poplar plantations, and adjacent grasslands. The results show that total ecosystem C stocks increased following grassland afforestation. Aboveground C stocks increased at a rate of 2.75 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in the poplar plantations, and 1.06 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in the Mongolian pine plantations. Mineral soil C stocks decreased during the early stage of forest establishment, but recovered with increasing stand age. Root C stock increased significantly in the Mongolian pine plantations, but the poplar plantations showed no such increase relative to the grassland. Our results indicate that afforestation of the grassland in the southeastern Keerqin Sandy Lands would sequester more C than would continuous grassland. Tree species selection and stand developmental age should be considered in planning future afforestation projects.     

A sedimentary record of the rise and fall of the metal industry in Bergslagen,south central Sweden

Detailed stratigraphic analyses of sediments deposited in Lake Botjärnen, a small boreal forest lake in the shield terrain of central Sweden, clearly reflect progressively increasing human impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems following settlement and establishment of an iron industry in the 17th century. Rising frequencies of pollen and spores from light-demanding plants provide evidence of extensive forest clearance for charcoal and timber production, which peaked in the early 20th century. An associated increase in catchment erosion is reflected by changing carbon and nitrogen elemental content and carbon–isotope composition of sediment organic matter and by increased magnetic susceptibility of the sediments. Records of air-borne pollutants (lead, zinc and sulphur) can be correlated to the development of local and regional mining and metal industry as inferred from historical accounts. Rapid recession of the iron industry led to re-forestation and recovery of the aquatic nutrient status to pre-industrial conditions over the past 100 years. The chronology of the sediment succession, which is based on ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs radionuclide data in combination with radiocarbon dating, is confirmed by historical lead pollution trends established for the region.     

Elemental (C,N, H and P) and stable isotope (δ<Superscript>15</Superscript>N and δ<Superscript>13</Superscript>C) signatures in sediments from Zeekoevlei,South Africa: a record of human intervention in the lake

We used elemental carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and hydrogen ratios (C/N, N/P and H/C) with total organic carbon (TOC) and total phosphorus (TP) as well as stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) to investigate the source and depositional conditions of organic matter in sediments from Zeekoevlei, the largest freshwater lake in South Africa. Typical C/N (10–12), H/C ratios (≥1.7) and δ¹³C_organic values (−22 to −19‰) together with the increase in TOC concentration indicate elevated primary productivity in lower middle (18–22 cm) and top (0–8 cm) sections of the sediment cores. Seepage of nutrients from a nearby waste water treatment plant, rapid urbanization and heavily fertilized farming in the catchments are responsible for the increased productivity. Consistent with this, measured δ¹⁵N_organic values (∼11‰) indicate increased raw sewage input towards the top-section of the core. Although cyanobacterial blooms are evident from the low δ¹⁵N values (∼3‰) in mid-section of the core, they did not outnumber the phytoplankton population. Low N/P ratio (∼0) and high TP (100–2,200 mg l⁻¹) support cyanobacterial growth under N limited condition, and insignificant input of macrophytes towards the organic matter pool. Dredging in 1983, caused sub-aerial exposure of the suspended and surface sediments, and affected organic matter preservation in the upper mid-section (12–14 cm) of the core.     

Primary diagenetic copper carbonate at the Malbunka copper deposit,Amadeus Basin,Northern Territory,Australia

The Malbunka copper deposit, located about 220 km west of Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory of Australia, may be a rare example of primary formation of copper carbonate mineralization. This deposit consists of unusual azurite disks up to 25 cm diameter, and lesser amounts of secondary azurite crystals and malachite. Carbon isotope values of the copper carbonate minerals are consistent with formation from groundwater-dissolved inorganic carbon. Oxygen isotope thermometry formation temperature estimates are 5–16 °C above ambient temperatures, suggesting the copper carbonates formed at a depth between 0.3 and 1.6 km in the Amadeus Basin. Azurite fluid inclusion waters are rich in boron, chlorine, and other elements suggestive of dilute oil basin formation fluids. In addition, presence of euhedral tourmaline with strong chemical zonation suggest that this was a low temperature diagenetic setting. The strong correlation of structures associated with hydraulic fracturing and rich copper carbonate mineralization suggest a strongly compartmentalized overpressure environment. It is proposed that copper carbonates of the Malbunka deposit formed when deep, copper-rich formation fluids were released upward by overpressure-induced failure of basin sediments, permitting mixing with carbonate-rich fluids above. This work bears directly upon exploration for a new type of primary copper deposit, through understanding of the conditions of genesis.     

Contested carbon: Carbon forestry as a speculatively virtual,falteringly material and disputed territorial assemblage

Assemblage approaches are increasingly being used to understand new socio-natural formations arising in relation to the multiple crises of capitalism, climate change and environmental degradation. The valuation of nature is key to these new formations, which the creation of new ‘valued entities’, through calculative practices, that can be accounted for, costed and circulated in monetised and financialised forms in order to ostensibly ‘fix’ certain environmental outcomes in relation to contemporary global crisis. This paper uses an assemblage approach in relation to the global’ transnational project of carbon forestry offsetting and REDD+ in a particular place, Uganda, arguing that it has utility in this respect. While Uganda has been named by Lang and Byakola (2005) as a ‘funny place to store carbon’ due to its contested land politics and history of violence its weak governance context paradoxically re-enforces the imperative for intervention. The paper argues that carbon forestry assemblages are inherently ephemeral and fundamentally contested in three ways: exhibiting a speculative virtuality, faltering materiality and disputed territoriality. Such analysis has the ability to go beyond technical and managerial, or solely pollical economic critiques of carbon forestry, to point at openings for alternatives.     

An integrated stratigraphic study across the Santonian/Campanian boundary at Bocieniec,southern Poland: A new boundary stratotype candidate

An integrated biostratigraphic (foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, crinoids), chemostratigraphic (stable carbon isotopes) and magnetostratigraphic study of the Bocieniec section (southern Poland) is presented here. The section presents a continuous and lithologically monotonous sedimentary record across the Santonian–Campanian boundary transition. A large number of macrofossil, foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil bioevents along with several well-identified carbon-isotope excursions of the upper Santonian and lowermost Campanian are documented. The base of the Campanian is well-constrained by the last occurrence (LO) of the crinoid Marsupites testudinarius, and correlates to the onset of the first δ¹³C positive peak of the Santonian–Campanian Boundary Event (SCBE peak a). A presumable primary Cretaceous paleomagnetic signal highlights the potential presence of the C34N/C33R magnetic reversal although its exact position remains uncertain between peaks a and b of the SCBE. The planktic foraminifer Dicarinella asymetrica is very rare at Bocieniec but a potential LO of this important marker may be recorded in coincidence with peak b of the SCBE. The first occurrence (FO) of calcareous nannofossil Broinsonia parca parca coincides with the lower part of chron C33R and with the early Campanian pilula zone event. A large set of additional nannofossil events and benthic foraminifer events further constrain the stratigraphy of the section and along with the carbon isotopes, allows for correlation with other important sections of the Boreal realm. Although the Bocieniec section is relatively thin and condensed (5.5 m), the successive order of events and presence of all past proposed stratigraphic criteria for the Santonian-Campanian boundary makes it the most complete reference section for this interval at the European and at the global scale. Moreover, this section allows for a precise correlation of the Tethyan and Boreal domains. The Bocieniec section fulfils the geological criteria to be a potential boundary stratotype candidate for the base of the Campanian Stage.     

新疆准噶尔盆地西北部二叠纪玄武岩浆作用流体介质条件:流体化学组成及碳同位素制约

准噶尔盆地西北部深层分布着大量的二叠纪玄武岩,其发育的流体介质条件缺乏系统研究。本文采用二叠纪玄武岩岩心样品,对基质中的流体化学组成和碳同位素组成进行分步加热质谱法分析,结果表明二叠纪玄武岩的流体组成中H_2O的含量极高(平均13789mm3.STP/g),次要组分为CO_2、O_2、H_2S和N2等,CO_2和CH_4的δ~(13)C值(分别为-28.9‰~-15.8‰和-36.8‰~-21.9‰)位于地壳与甲烷氧化来源组分的范围内;CH_4、C_2H_6、C_3H_8和C_4H_(10)等甲烷同系物的碳同位素组成随碳数增高总体具有正序分布特征,400~800℃温度段释出CH_4的δ~(13)C值(-25‰左右)明显重于200~400℃的(-35‰左右),部分样品400~800℃的CH_4-C_3H_8存在碳同位素反序分布的特征,显示幔源流体挥发份特征,其中混入大量的沉积有机质热裂解成因烃类气体,应为俯冲蚀变大洋板片的沉积物脱出流体挥发份。大量的H_2O指示岛弧俯冲的再循环流体的加入,甲烷氧化来源特征的CO_2和CH_4碳同位素组成揭示经历了长期的风化过程,表明相关岩浆作用后遭受长期的抬升。     

东昆仑夏日哈木镍铜硫化物矿床成矿岩浆条件:流体挥发份化学组成与碳同位素组成制约

夏日哈木镍铜硫化物矿床是我国东昆仑造山带新发现的全球岛弧环境最大的岩浆镍铜硫化物矿床。早泥盆世镁铁-超镁铁质成矿岩体中不同类型岩石的辉石中流体挥发份化学组成和碳同位素组成表明,流体挥发份总量较低,平均含量为888mm~3.STP/g(STP:标准温度和大气压)。流体挥发份组成以H_2O为主(48mol%),其次为H_2(26%)、CO_2(15%)和CO(5%)。H_2S含量从二辉橄榄岩(10mm~3/g)、橄榄辉石岩(18mm~3/g)到二辉辉石岩(28mm~3/g)逐渐增加,表明岩浆就位结晶演化过程中含硫组分的加入。CO_2的δ~(13)C值(-23.5‰~-5.0‰)位于地壳和地幔值范围之间。CH_4同系物碳同位素组成随碳数具有总体正序、局部反序的分布特征,显示大洋沉积有机质热裂解成因特征。夏日哈木成矿镁铁-超镁铁质岩体流体组分中较低的H2_O含量和较高的H_2含量表明,岩浆演化处于还原性挥发份条件,地幔岩浆源区存在俯冲洋壳沉积有机质,岩浆房围岩的混染和富S流体的加入可能是夏日哈木岩浆镍铜硫化物矿床硫饱和的主要机制。