Atmospheric Methane Sources and Sinks

There has been significant research into the exchange in the atmosphere between locations in which methane is released and areas where there is significant uptake and the factors that contribute to this action. The main factor in this being the concentration of of carbonaceous soil in an anaerobic environment with moisture leading methanogenic activity. This activity increases with changes in temperature that have been seen due to climate change. The activity of these areas is due to increase in the near future. Methanotrophic sinks however tend to be in dryer soil area with very poor carbon content. The examination and optimization of this cycling process can be used to help to limit the overall methane content in the overall atmosphere.