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Der atmosphärische Kreislauf von Methan

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Abstract

Present methane concentrations in the northern troposphere average 1.65 ppm. Most CH4 is of recent biogenic origin. 14C analyses indicate that no more than 10% is released by fossil sources. The various CH4-producing ecosystems are described and the total annual production is estimated to lie between 5.9×1014 and 9.3×1014 g/y. CH4 is destroyed through photochemical oxidation mainly in the troposphere. In this process CH2O, H2, and CO are produced as intermediates. Tropospheric CH4 provides an important source of stratospheric water vapor.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kernforschungsanlage Jülich, Institut für Chemie III: Atmosphärische Chemie, D-5170, Jülich

    D. H. Ehhalt

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  1. D. H. Ehhalt
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Vortrag anläßlich der 110. Versammlung der Gesellschaft Deutscher Naturforscher und Ärzte, Innsbruck, 17.–21. September 1978

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Ehhalt, D.H. Der atmosphärische Kreislauf von Methan. Naturwissenschaften 66, 307–311 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00441273

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00441273

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