Publication: Advances in Polar Science (APS). Vol. 20, No. 1, 22~31, June 2009
To download the publication please click on the download link at the bottom of the page
Author: Liu Yashu, Zhu Renbin, Li Xianglan, Xu Hua and Sun Liguang
CNARC member: Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC)
Abstract: During the 22nd Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE-22, 2005 /06) , the atmospheric gas samples near the surface were taken on the Millor Peninsula and adjacent areas, east Antarctica, using Tedlar gas bags. The methane (CH4) concentration and δ13 C-CH4 in those samples were analyzed in the laboratory. The average value of atmospheric CH4 concentration on this peninsula was (1. 87 ±0.12) ×10-6, slightly higher than the global average CH4 concentration. The summertime variation of CH4 concentrations showed a large fluctuation, corresponding to the variation of air temperatures. The average δ13 C-CH4 was (- 38. 26 ±0. 52) ‰. CH4 concentrations and δ13 C-CH4 at different sites varied from 1. 74 ×10- 6 to 2. 56 ×10- 6 and from - 39. 31‰ to - 31. 25‰, respectively. The factors affecting CH4 concentrations and δ13 C-CH4 values have also been discussed in this study.
Key words: Antarctica, Millor Peninsula, atmosphere, methane, carbon isotope
