Uncovering the Surprising Impact of Arctic Soil Methane Consumption in Dry Climates

A study led by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Montreal reveals that Arctic soil methane uptake may be larger than previously thought, with methane uptake increasing under dry conditions and with the availability of labile carbon substrates. The study, conducted at Trail Valley Creek in the Western Canadian Arctic, used high-resolution measurements to uncover diel and seasonal dynamics in methane uptake. The findings have implications for estimating the current Arctic methane budget and predicting the future response of Arctic soil methane uptake to a changing climate, particularly in relation to large-scale drying.