Diversity and Composition of Methanotroph Communities in Caves
Kevin D. Webster, Arndt Schimmelmann, Agnieszka Drobniak, María Mastalerz, Laura Rosales Lagarde, Penelope J. Boston, Jay T. Lennon
Abstract
Recent observations have shown the atmospheric greenhouse gas methane (CH 4 ) is consumed by microorganisms (methanotrophs) in caves at rates comparable to CH 4 oxidation in surface soils. Caves are abundant in karst landscapes that comprise 14% of Earth’s land surface area, and therefore may represent a potentially important, but overlooked, CH 4 sink.
Topics & Concepts
CaveKarstMethanotrophEcologyWetlandSink (geography)MethaneAnaerobic oxidation of methaneGeographyComposition (language)Environmental scienceBiologyArchaeologyCartographyLinguisticsPhilosophyMethane Hydrates and Related PhenomenaMicrobial Community Ecology and PhysiologyGeology and Paleoclimatology Research