| Issue № 3 |
Original research |
pdf-version |
Seasonal and vertical variability of methane concentration over permafrost ecosystems of Central Yakutia
| Alekseeva Alexandra | Yakutsk Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Petrovskogo St., Yakutsk, aav1312@mail.ru |
| Petrov Roman | PhD, Institute of Biological Problems of Cryolithozone SB RAS, 41, Lenin Ave., Yakutsk, pre2003@mail.ru |
| Grigoryev Marat | Institute of Biological Problems of the Cryolithozone of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 41, Lenin Ave., Yakutsk, eidosmarat@mail.ru |
| Mordovskoy Petr | PhD, Yakutsk Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Petrovskogo St., Yakutsk, mordovskoipg@yandex.ru |
| Maximov Trofim | D.Sc., Institute of Biological Problems of Cryolithozone of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 41, Lenin Ave., Yakutsk, tcmax@mail.ru |
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Keywords: atmosphere methane Siberia Yakutia permafrost permafrost ecosystems airсraft observations |
Summary: The importance of methane monitoring in the atmosphere is due to its high climatic significance, especially in regions of cryolithic zone, which contain vast carbon reserves. The degradation of permafrost and the expansion of thermokarst lakes can lead to additional methane emissions, enhancing the greenhouse effect. This article examines seasonal variations, vertical distribution, and temporal changes in methane concentrations over Central Yakutia. A characteristic feature of the studied region allows us to consider annual dynamics within the framework of two main periods: a warm period with active vegetation and a cold period with suppressed biological processes. Ground-based and aircraft measurements of methane concentrations were carried out ranging from 34 m to 3,000 m from 2017 and 2021 above the Spasskaya Pad research station. It was found that during the study period, the average methane concentration during the cold season (October – March) was 1996 ppb, which is 22 ppb higher than in the warm season (April – September) - 1974 ppb. During the summer period, a pronounced maximum is observed in the surface layer at a height of 34–100 m, whereas in winter the distribution by altitude is more uniform. During the study period, an increase in the concentrations of methane in the atmosphere was observed. Local concentrations over Central Yakutia consistently exceed global background values by an average of 6%, which indicates a significant contribution from regional natural and anthropogenic sources. The data obtained from aircraft observations of methane concentrations at various altitudes are important for assessing the contribution of permafrost ecosystems to the global methane budget. © Petrozavodsk State University |
Received on: 26 March 2026 Published on: 27 September 2026 | |
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